Baby Food Poisoning Case: Suspect Detained in Jerusalem

A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Sunday extended the detention of a man in his 40s from southern Israel suspected of involvement in introducing sedatives into Prinok-brand baby food products. The suspect was arrested earlier this week as part of an investigation that has been ongoing for approximately two months. The court granted police requests to hold him until Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

During the hearing, a representative from the Zion District's Crime Fighting Unit in the Jerusalem Police told the court: "We claim that the respondent was involved in a deliberate manner and relatively close to the poisoning incident." The presiding judge ruled that "the investigation material establishes reasonable suspicion of significant strength for offenses of using poison to endanger lives, negligent handling of medications, and theft."

The judge emphasized the severity of the case: "The respondent is suspected of being involved in the deliberate poisoning of food products for infants and toddlers. The danger is self-evident." He also noted that "dozens of investigative actions are required, including actions susceptible to obstruction," justifying continued detention.

The court ordered that the suspect undergo psychiatric evaluation by either the detention facility's psychiatrist or the district psychiatrist, following his attorney's claim that he suffers from bipolar disorder. However, an initial examination found the suspect fit for detention.

The case emerged approximately two months ago when four young children were brought to the emergency department at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem exhibiting unusual symptoms of drowsiness and weakness. Comprehensive laboratory tests conducted by the Ministry of Health revealed alarming findings: jars of Prinok-brand fruit puree purchased at two "Zol V'Bagadol" (Cheap and Large) chain stores in Jerusalem contained pharmaceutical substances—clonazepam and lorazepam, powerful sedatives from the benzodiazepine family.

Professor Sa'ar Hashavia, director of the pediatric emergency department at Hadassah Ein Kerem, described the initial discovery: "Last Thursday, four infants arrived at the pediatric emergency room with similar symptoms of drowsiness and weakness. The tests we conducted revealed exposure to sedative substances."

The investigation launched by Jerusalem District Police continues as authorities work to identify additional suspects and those involved, while examining collected evidence. Investigators' primary goal is to trace the source of the sedatives and determine how they were introduced into the products.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Health issued immediate closure orders for the two Zol V'Bagadol branches in Jerusalem where the contaminated puree jars were purchased. Officials reported that both locations had been operating without business licenses and under poor sanitary conditions.