Full Breakdown
Sedative-Laced Baby Puree Leads to Arrest and Extended Detention in Jerusalem
9/2/2026, 12:51:35 AM
Incident Overview
In June 2026, jars of Prinok baby fruit puree sold at two Zol Begadol supermarket branches on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem were found to contain the prescription benzodiazepines clonazepam and lorazepam. The Health Ministry confirmed laboratory detection of these sedatives, which can cause drowsiness, weakness, and confusion. Three toddlers under three years old were hospitalized after consuming the contaminated jars; all were later discharged in stable condition.
Investigation Findings
Police identified five tainted jars—three submitted by customers and two recovered from store shelves—each showing signs of tampering before purchase. Tests of product batches from the importer revealed no contamination, and the ministry reported no manufacturing defect. Following the discovery, the two Zol Begadol locations were barred from selling food and cosmetic items until they implemented stricter quality-control measures, including limited access to products and regular packaging inspections.
Official Statements & Responses
The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court extended the suspect’s detention until September 6, allowing investigators to continue questioning him. Attorney Zecharia Shenkolevsky, representing the suspect through the Public Defender’s Office, emphasized the suspect’s mental-health condition and the need to protect his rights during the early stages of the investigation. Police indicated that the inquiry remains ongoing and may expand to additional lines of investigation, potentially leading to further arrests.
Data & Statistics
- Contaminated product: 5 jars of Prinok baby fruit puree
- Tampering evidence: All five jars showed signs of being opened or altered before purchase
- Hospitalized children: 3 toddlers (aged three years and under)
- Supermarket branches affected: 2 Zol Begadol locations on Jaffa Street
What's Next
The suspect, a man in his 40s from southern Israel, will appear before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on the scheduled hearing, where police will seek to maintain his detention through the September 6 deadline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The investigation is in its early stages, and we expect it to be conducted while protecting his rights, certainly in light of his medical circumstances,” — Zecharia Shenkolevsky, mental-health conditions attorney