Police and Health Ministry officials have launched a wide-ranging criminal investigation after traces of benzodiazepines—sedative and anti-anxiety drugs—were found in the blood of at least three babies and toddlers in Jerusalem.

The case came to light after three incidents in which babies were brought by their parents to Hadassah Ein Kerem in recent days and last month with symptoms of apathy, extreme weakness, and fatigue, causing significant concern among medical staff.

Blood tests conducted on the children detected traces of benzodiazepines, powerful sedatives and anti-anxiety medications commonly found in prescription drugs for adults, including Klonopin and Valium. The unusual medical findings immediately raised concern among doctors and prompted the involvement of health and law enforcement authorities in an effort to identify the source of the substances.

According to information uncovered during the investigation, all of the hospitalized children had consumed various baby food pouches manufactured by Prinok, purchased at branches of the Zol U’Begadol supermarket chain (most of which are in Chareidi neighborhoods), shortly before developing symptoms.

The Health Ministry has launched an urgent investigation into a possible connection between the product and the hospitalizations, though no such link has been established at this stage.

As of now, no similar cases have been reported elsewhere in Israel. The investigation remains ongoing, and all possible avenues are being examined, including the supply chain, production conditions, and the possibility of intentional tampering or negligence at points of sale.

The Health Ministry confirmed the details and issued special guidance to parents.

The ministry stated: “At this stage, it is not possible to determine with certainty whether there is a connection between the cases and the product. However, it should be noted that the product was sold as individual units and not as part of a package. In addition, although a connection to the product has not yet been proven, the Ministry of Health asks parents who fed the product to their children to pay attention to any change in behavior, including drowsiness, fatigue, or confused speech, to contact their pediatrician, and to call the Ministry of Health hotline at *5400 while informing them of the possible connection to the product.”

The ministry added: “The Ministry of Health wishes to remind the public that when purchasing and consuming food products, it is recommended to ensure that the product is sealed and intact, properly labeled, stored under appropriate conditions, and has an appearance, color, and smell characteristic of the product. The Ministry of Health is in contact with law enforcement authorities and will continue to update the public as necessary.”

Baruch Hashem, after being hospitalized for observation, the babies’ condition improved, and they were discharged.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)