The Jerusalem police have launched an investigation into the possible lacing of baby food with psychiatric medication following the arrival of four children at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem last week with symptoms of benzodiazepine poisoning.

The unit will determine if there is a connection to the Prinok brand baby purees sold at two branches of a Jerusalem supermarket chain, Zol VeGadol, and if traces of these two sedative medications were found in them.

Although the Health Ministry said that a causal link has not yet been proven, it closed two branches of the store on Wednesday.

In a statement, the police said they have begun “a series of investigative measures, both overt and covert, to trace the source of the sedative substances and the method by which they were introduced into the products. At this stage, all lines of inquiry are being investigated.”

According to laboratory testing, clonazepam and lorazepam, substances from the benzodiazepine family normally prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, were found in the jars.

All the children who were hospitalized after consuming these purees have since been discharged.

“It is important to understand that cases of benzodiazepine poisoning can be life-threatening and usually occur in children due to accidental ingestion in their homes,” Prof. Saar Hashavia, director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Hadassah Ein Kerem and deputy director of the Hospital, said in a statement.

“The current cluster of cases was unusual both because several children were........

© The Times of Israel