Health Ministry Orders Closure of Jerusalem Chain Branches Over Baby Food Sedative Contamination

Israel’s Health Ministry said Wednesday evening it issued administrative closure orders for two Jerusalem branches of the “Zol u’Vagadol” supermarket chain after baby fruit puree sold there was found to contain sedative drugs. The branches are on Jaffa Street 214 and Jaffa Street 114. Jerusalem District Health Officer Prof. Zohar Mor signed the orders after laboratory tests found clonazepam and lorazepam in jars of “Prino” baby fruit puree sold at the two stores.

The case began after three small children were rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem with symptoms of drowsiness and weakness, and traces of sedatives were found in their blood. The ministry said earlier in the day that lab tests confirmed the suspicion that the substances were benzodiazepine sedatives intended for adults.

Officials said there was no indication of a defect or failure in manufacturing, and no evidence of contamination at the factory itself. Tests conducted on products from importers were also found to be clean, which means investigators are considering the possibility that the substances were introduced at some later stage.

Police said some of the ministry’s test results were transferred to investigators and are being used as the basis for the continuing probe. Because of the sensitivity of the case involving minors, Jerusalem District command assigned the investigation to the Zion area’s anti-crime unit. Police said detectives have already begun overt and covert investigative steps to trace the source of the sedatives and how they were inserted into the products, adding that all directions are being examined and that they will continue working closely with Health Ministry experts.