JERUSALEM — Israeli authorities are investigating the contamination of Prinok brand baby fruit puree jars with sedative drugs following the hospitalization of four toddlers in Jerusalem. The Shin Bet joined the investigation into the matter, alongside other law enforcement agencies.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of clonazepam and lorazepam in the affected jars. These substances are benzodiazepine class prescription medications used for sedation and anxiety treatment. The contaminated jars were sold at two Zol Begadol supermarket branches in Jerusalem, located at 113 Jaffa Street and 214 Jaffa Street.

The Health Ministry ordered the immediate closure of both implicated Zol Begadol branches. Jerusalem Police initiated an investigation after the hospitalizations, and investigators are evaluating both criminal and nationalist motives for the contamination. Authorities have not arrested or interrogated any suspects in connection with the incident so far.

Four toddlers were admitted to Hadassah-University Medical Center in Ein Kerem after consuming the fruit puree. The children displayed symptoms of weakness, apathy, and confusion, and blood tests revealed traces of sedative drugs in their systems. The hospitalized children have since been discharged.

The Health Ministry directed medical facilities in Jerusalem to screen infant cases for symptoms consistent with benzodiazepine exposure. Public health officials advised parents to monitor children who consumed the product for excessive sleepiness, exhaustion, or speech confusion. The Health Ministry has not issued a widespread recall for all Prinok products at this time.

Randi, the commercial distributor for Prinok, stated that the brand remains safe for public consumption and sale. A Randi representative said, "All tests conducted on products from the importer were found to be normal." The representative added, "The facts indicate that an external party maliciously inserted foreign substances into the product." Laboratory analysis found no manufacturing defects or contamination originating at the production facility, and quality control tests on imported Prinok inventory returned standard results.

Investigators are awaiting additional laboratory results to determine whether the substances entered the products at the manufacturing, transportation, or retail stages. The father of one hospitalized child said, "We were in an investigation for two hours over abuse of helpless minors." He added, "I have two healthy and well-cared-for children. I was the one who gave them the puree."