Jerusalem discount-store branches barred from selling food and cosmetics amid baby food probe

Israel’s Health Ministry imposed unusual restrictions on two Jerusalem branches of the Zol U’B’Gadol chain, at 113 and 214 Jaffa Street, in connection with the “Prinok” baby puree case. From 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, the stores were banned from selling food and cosmetics and may sell only non-food, non-cosmetic items until they submit an approved quality-control plan.

The decision followed laboratory testing and inspections conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. So far, two incidents have been reported in which five children were hospitalized after eating fruit purees bought at those branches. Tests found benzodiazepines, and all of the children have since been discharged from hospital.

As part of the probe, hundreds of products were sampled across the country, including about 70 jars for toxicology testing, 110 vacuum-related tests, and more than 500 items checked at points of sale. Five products were found to contain the prescription drugs clonazepam and lorazepam, three handed over by families and two taken from store shelves in Jerusalem. The ministry said all five showed signs of having been illegally opened before purchase.

Checks at the importer’s warehouses, throughout the supply chain, and at other sales points nationwide found no similar findings and no evidence of a failure in manufacturing, importing, or storage. To resume food and cosmetics sales, the branches must present a comprehensive quality-control program covering product integrity checks, routine testing, staff training, and immediate reporting of any suspicion of food tampering. The ministry said there is currently no sign of a broader defect in Prinok products, so no nationwide recall was ordered. Police are continuing their investigation.