A mother from Holon spoke publicly for the first time after her toddler developed symptoms following consumption of Prinoq purée, as Israel’s investigation into suspected poisonings tied to the product continues. She said, “The child just falls asleep everywhere and is really not behaving normally.” At this stage, authorities have not determined any connection between her case and the incidents under investigation in Jerusalem.
The Prinoq affair surfaced after three toddlers were hospitalized last Thursday at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem after eating the purées. The Health Ministry opened an inquiry, and laboratory tests found substances from the benzodiazepine family, including clonazepam, known as Klonex, and lorazepam, known as Lorivan. These are prescription drugs that affect the central nervous system and are not supposed to appear in food products.
As a result of the findings, closure orders were issued for two branches of the Zol u’Vagadol chain on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem, where the purées at the center of the probe were sold. Police have also opened an investigation to determine how the substances got into the products.
The Holon mother said she noticed symptoms after her son ate Prinoq purée and then sought medical advice. She said blood tests were taken at the family’s health fund clinic, and the family is now waiting for the results. The Health Ministry had not responded by the time of publication. Officials say it is still unclear whether this is an isolated case or part of a wider incident, and they urge waiting for test results before drawing conclusions.
