Jerusalem Probe After Toddlers Found With Sedatives in Their Blood

Israeli police and the Health Ministry have opened epidemiological and criminal investigations after several toddlers were hospitalized in Jerusalem with traces of sedative and anesthetic substances in their blood, according to a report by Nov Reuveni on Kan News. At least three toddlers were treated recently, and one case was from last month, at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center.

The children were brought in after showing apathy and weakness. Blood tests found benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used in adult prescription medicines such as Clonex and Valium. After observation, all of the toddlers were discharged home.

Investigators say the children had consumed baby food purees made by Prinoq before they were hospitalized. The products were bought as individual items in different branches of the Zol u’Bigadol supermarket chain in Jerusalem. Authorities stressed that it is not yet possible to determine whether there is a direct link between the product and the medical cases, and all possible leads are being examined.

The Health Ministry is urging parents whose children ate the product to watch for behavioral changes such as sleepiness or exhaustion and to contact a doctor or the ministry hotline at 5400*. It also advised checking that food products are sealed and intact before use.