Israel's Health Ministry on Wednesday announced that Ministry tests and laboratory analysis found pharmaceutical substances, specifically clonazepam and lorazepam, in jars of "Prinoq" brand baby fruit puree sold at two branches of the "Zol Uvegadol" chain.
The findings follow a Ministry announcement on Monday, after three babies were hospitalized over the past month at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital when blood tests revealed traces of benzodiazepines. and after subsequent tests conducted by the Ministry
The affected branches of "Zol Uvegadol" are: the "Machane" branch at 113 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem, and the branch at 214 Jaffa Street, Jerusalem.
Immediate closure orders were issued by the Ministry for both branches where the jars of "Prinoq" baby fruit puree were purchased, and the Ministry involved additional enforcement authorities, including the Israel Police and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health issued professional guidance to hospitals in the Jerusalem area, advising increased attention to cases of infants and young children presenting symptoms that could indicate exposure to benzodiazepine substances, and an order to report any similar cases that may have occurred in recent weeks.
It should be noted that the children hospitalized following consumption of these purees have since been discharged.
At this time, this is no nationwide recall of all Prinoq products, as there is currently no indication of a defect or malfunction during production, nor contamination at the factory itself, and all tests conducted on products from importers were found to be normal.
The Ministry urges parents whose children consumed this product to monitor them for changes in behavior, which may manifest themselves as drowsiness, fatigue, or slurred speech, to consult a pediatrician, and to contact the Ministry of Health hotline at *5400, providing details of the product.
The Ministry reminds consumers that when purchasing and consuming food products, they should ensure the product is sealed and intact, properly labeled, and sold in its original packaging.
It warns: Do not consume products purchased at the two affected branches, products not sold in their original packaging, products that do not have the usual color, appearance, and smell, or products where the vacuum seal mechanism does not function properly (there should be an audible click when opening the jar).
The Ministry is continuing to investigate the case and will update the public as necessary.
"Randy," the company which markets Prinoq, stated: "As per the Health Ministry announcement, there is no indication of a defect or fault during production nor any contamination in the factory itself, and all tests conducted on products from the importer were found to be normal. The Health Ministry clarified that the products are safe for consumer use and there is no restriction on their continued sale. The facts indicate that an external party maliciously introduced foreign substances into the product."
"Once the incident became known, the company acted transparently with the public and in close coordination with the Health Ministry and all relevant professional bodies. Prinoq products have been sold for over 20 years in all marketing chains. We reiterate that before any use, one should ensure that the product is sealed, intact, and shows no signs of tampering or opening, in accordance with the safety instructions on the packaging."