Anesthetic found in more baby food jars, raising fears for more infants

Anesthetic substances were found in additional jars of “Prinoq” baby food that had been removed in recent days from two “Zol VeGadol” branches in Jerusalem, Kan News reported Wednesday evening. The new findings heighten concern that more poisoned jars may still be in other homes and that more babies could be harmed.

The Health Ministry said the product from the two chain branches on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem must not be consumed. Earlier reports said the suspected stores operated without a business license and were found in poor sanitary conditions. The branch managers have been summoned for police questioning, scheduled for Thursday morning.

The chain’s owner was also called to a Health Ministry hearing. He objected to closing the stores, but officials decided to shut them immediately. The investigation is ongoing and is also examining the suspicion that the anesthetic was deliberately introduced into the baby food.

Investigators are considering all directions, including the possibility of a nationalistic motive. Zol VeGadol said the owner instructed all employees to cooperate with the checks and ordered security camera footage handed over to police. The chain also said the product has been removed from shelves across the entire network.