Jerusalem shuts two 'Zol U'Vegadol' branches after infant formula contamination scare

Jerusalem District Health Officer Prof. Zaher Mor signed administrative stop-work orders on Wednesday for two Zol U'Vegadol supermarket branches in Jerusalem, at 214 Jaffa Street and 114 Jaffa Street. The action followed serious laboratory findings in baby fruit purées sold in those stores under the Frutino brand.

Tests found the pharmaceutical substances clonazepam and lorazepam in the jars, both powerful sedatives from the benzodiazepine family. Health officials said the drugs are not meant for children and could pose an immediate life-threatening danger.

The investigation began after an unusual incident last weekend, when five toddlers from the Jerusalem area were hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem after developing severe neurological symptoms, including apathy, extreme drowsiness and muscle weakness, shortly after eating the purées. Hadassah said four of the children, including two aged three and two aged one, were admitted to the pediatric emergency department last Thursday and discharged the next day after overnight observation. They left in good condition, alert and fully recovered.

The Health Ministry said laboratory tests confirmed the serious suspicion, and the Shin Bet is also involved because investigators suspect deliberate poisoning. Police and the Health Ministry have opened broad epidemiological and criminal investigations. Prof. Saar Ashkenazi, head of the pediatric emergency department and deputy hospital director, said benzodiazepine poisonings can be life-threatening and usually happen in children who accidentally take sedatives found at home, but this case was unusual because several children were poisoned at the same time and there was no apparent access to prescription drugs in their environment. Investigators are still examining all possible leads and trying to determine whether there is a direct link between the product and the incidents. The closure orders took effect immediately and the branches remain shut until further notice.