Jerusalem Zol U'Vagadol Managers to Be Questioned After Baby Food Sedative Scare

Managers of the Zol U'Vagadol branches in Jerusalem that sold FriNOk baby fruit purees containing anesthetic substances have been summoned for police questioning tomorrow. According to Kan News, the two suspected branches operated without business licenses and in poor sanitary conditions. One is the Machane branch at 113 Jaffa Street, and the other is at 214 Jaffa Street. The Health Ministry issued immediate closure orders for both stores.

Police made an unusual public appeal on Thursday evening, urging parents to check that food products bought for children are sealed, airtight, and stored safely. Chief Insp. Adi Mizrahi Buaron, head of investigations and intelligence in the Zion District, said police currently know of only two cases, involving products bought at two different branches. She said the investigation has been underway since Thursday and is being conducted thoroughly and in full cooperation with the Health Ministry. “Because this involves toddlers and minors, we are doing everything and will turn over every stone to prevent further harm to children,” she said.

Earlier, the Health Ministry told parents of toddlers hospitalized after eating FriNOk fruit purees that laboratory tests found anesthetic substances in the products. The case will also be discussed by the Knesset Health Committee. According to the suspicion, the toddlers ate different types of puree, developed symptoms of apathy and weakness, and were taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital for observation before later being discharged.

Randi, the company that markets FriNOk products, said the Health Ministry’s notice indicated no sign of a defect or malfunction during production, and no contamination at the factory itself. It added that all tests conducted on products from the importer came back normal.