Baby Food Contamination Case: Suspect's Detention Extended

A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Tuesday extended the detention of a man in his 40s, a resident of southern Israel, by six days. He is suspected of involvement in the introduction of sedatives into baby fruit purees manufactured by the company "Frunimilk".

Following the arrest on Monday, police stated that the investigation, initially revealed by Kan News, is ongoing. Authorities are working to trace the source of the sedatives and how they were inserted into the products. The possibility of additional individuals being involved is also being examined.

Kan News reported on Monday that the investigation's focus on a nationalistic motive has weakened, given that the primary suspect is Jewish. The case first came to light approximately two months ago when three infants in Jerusalem were hospitalized after benzodiazepine residues, sedatives found in adult anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Klonopin, were detected in their blood.

Authorities suspect the infants consumed various "Frunimilk" purees purchased from "Zol Be'bigdol" chain stores in Jerusalem. The infants exhibited symptoms of apathy and weakness and were taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, where they were hospitalized for observation before being released. Days later, sedatives were reportedly found in additional jars of the baby food.