Infants Hospitalized After Eating Contaminated Fruit Puree

Four infants were hospitalized in Jerusalem on Thursday following the consumption of fruit puree found to be laced with anesthetic substances. The affected children, two one-year-olds and two three-year-olds, were admitted to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital exhibiting symptoms of confusion and weakness.

Subsequent blood tests revealed traces of benzodiazepines, a substance commonly used in psychiatric medications and sedatives. All children were later discharged from the hospital in stable condition.

The Jerusalem Police initiated an investigation over the weekend, as three of the infants had consumed baby puree from the brand Prinok. The company marketing the brand, Randi, stated that its products undergo rigorous testing at the manufacturing plant and upon entry into the country. The company suggested that the incident might have involved external interference with the product, given its wide distribution.

Preliminary reviews by the Health Ministry indicated that the incident was local. Randi has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and share further information with the public as it becomes available.