Health Ministry Finds Sedative Substances in Baby Food Tied to Hospitalized Toddlers

The Health Ministry told parents of toddlers hospitalized this week after eating baby food that tests found anesthetic substances in the product. It also said the stores where the fruit puree was bought, branches of the Zol VeGadol chain, will be closed immediately. The ministry said the investigation is still underway to determine how the sedatives got into the food.

The alert follows reports received on Monday about children hospitalized after consuming a Prinoq fruit puree purchased at Zol VeGadol branches, raising suspicion of a possible link to the product. After the report, the Health Ministry launched an epidemiological investigation along with immediate supervision and enforcement steps to urgently examine the case.

The ministry asked parents who fed the product to their children to watch for changes in behavior, including sleepiness, exhaustion, or confused speech, and to contact a pediatrician. It also told them to call the Health Ministry hotline and mention the connection to the product.

The ministry reminded the public to check food products when buying or consuming them, making sure they are sealed and intact, properly labeled, stored correctly, and have the expected appearance, color, and smell.