Suspect Arrested in Baby Food Poisoning Case Has Detention Extended

A Jerusalem court on Tuesday extended the detention of a suspect in the "Prinook" baby food poisoning case by six days. The suspect, a man in his 40s from southern Israel, is accused of intentionally introducing sedative substances into baby fruit purees. Police stated there is a high probability the children were deliberately poisoned and expressed concern about tampering with evidence if the suspect is released. The defense argued the man suffers from bipolar disorder and has a history of hospitalization.

Investigators are working to trace the origin of the sedative materials and determine when and how they were added to the purees. Police are also exploring the possibility of other individuals being involved.

The case came to light in June when several children were hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem exhibiting symptoms consistent with benzodiazepine exposure. Lab tests confirmed the presence of the sedative drugs clonazepam and lorazepam in "Prinook" brand baby fruit puree jars purchased from two "Zol U'Begalol" chain stores in Jerusalem. This led to the immediate closure of the stores and the launch of a police investigation.

Initial production process checks and tests on products from the importer found no defects. However, the Ministry of Health later announced that five jars containing the substances had been illegally opened before purchase, strengthening the suspicion of intentional contamination. The ministry had previously visited the Strauss factory after salmonella was discovered there, though this incident is separate.