Health Ministry Finds Sedatives in Baby Fruit Purees Sold in Jerusalem

Israel’s Health Ministry said lab tests found the prescription drugs clonazepam and lorazepam in jars of “Frinook” baby fruit puree sold at two “Zol UveGadol” branches in Jerusalem. The ministry said the products were bought at the chain’s “Machane” branch on 113 Jaffa Street and another branch at 214 Jaffa Street.

The ministry ordered immediate closure of both stores and brought in additional enforcement bodies, including the Israel Police. It said that on Tuesday it had already sent a professional alert to hospitals in the Jerusalem area, asking them to pay closer attention to infants and young children showing symptoms that could indicate exposure to benzodiazepines, and to report similar cases from recent weeks.

Children hospitalized after consuming the purees have since been discharged, the ministry said. It stressed that there is not currently a blanket recall of all Frinook products, because no defect, manufacturing failure, or factory contamination has been found, and tests of products from importers were normal.

Parents whose children ate the product are being told to watch for changes in behavior such as drowsiness, exhaustion, or confused speech, to contact a pediatrician, and to call the Health Ministry hotline 5400*. The ministry also warned consumers to buy only sealed, properly labeled products in original packaging, and not to consume items bought at the two affected branches or any product that does not look, smell, or function normally, including jars whose vacuum seal does not operate correctly. The investigation is ongoing.