Supermarket Chain Appeals Jerusalem Store Closures After Baby Food Poisoning Probe

Zol U’b’Gadol has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court against administrative closure orders imposed by the Health Ministry on two of its Jerusalem branches. The chain is seeking to overturn the orders and reopen the stores quickly, after the closures followed the ongoing investigation into a suspected poisoning case involving infant food.

The case began after four toddlers, two aged one and two aged three, were taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem with sleepiness and weakness. They were kept under observation overnight and later discharged once their condition improved.

Laboratory tests by the Health Ministry found the sedatives clonazepam and lorazepam in jars of Prinoek fruit puree for babies purchased at the two branches. The drugs are powerful benzodiazepines, not meant for children, and officials said they could pose an immediate life-threatening danger.

Following the findings, Jerusalem District Health Officer Prof. Zohar Mor signed immediate stop-operation orders for the two stores. The Health Ministry and police launched a broad epidemiological and criminal investigation led by the Zion District’s serious crime unit, with the Shin Bet also involved because of suspicion the poisoning was deliberate. The ministry said so far there is no sign of a manufacturing defect or problem at the factory, and products taken from importers tested clean, which strengthens the suspicion that the substances were introduced later. No sweeping recall was announced, but parents and the public were urged to remain alert. Zol U’b’Gadol argues the closures are devastating to its business and employees while the source of the contamination is still under investigation.