Israel’s Health Ministry said five children were hospitalized after eating baby purees from the Prinoq brand that were contaminated with benzodiazepine drugs. All five children have since been discharged from the hospital.
Extensive testing found five contaminated products containing clonazepam and lorazepam. Three of the products were purchased at the Zol U’B’Gadol chain, and two were sampled from the chain’s shelves in Jerusalem. The ministry said there are indications the products were unlawfully opened before purchase.
The Jerusalem District physician signed administrative stop-sale orders for two branches of the chain on Jaffa Street. At this stage, investigators have found no indication of a defect in the manufacturing process or in the importer’s warehouses, so no broad recall has been ordered.
The information has been passed on to law enforcement authorities.
