Israel’s Health Ministry has banned the sale of food and cosmetics at two “Zol U’Begadol” supermarket branches in Jerusalem following the ongoing investigation into the Prinok baby food contamination case, in which toxic substances were found in several fruit puree products.

The restrictions apply to the chain’s stores located at 113 and 214 Jaffa Street and took effect Thursday at 4:00 p.m. The stores may continue operating only by selling products that are not food or cosmetics until they meet new requirements set by the Health Ministry.

The move follows two incidents in which five infants, ages 3, 9, and 10 months, were hospitalized after consuming Prinok fruit puree purchased at the affected stores. Laboratory testing detected unusually high levels of benzodiazepines in the products. All of the children have since been discharged from the hospital, and officials said no additional confirmed cases have been linked to the incident.

Since the investigation began, Health Ministry inspectors have carried out an extensive nationwide inspection, testing approximately 70 jars for toxic substances, conducting 110 vacuum-seal tests, and examining more than 500 products at retail locations to ensure packaging integrity.

The investigation identified five contaminated products containing the medications clonazepam and lorazepam—three supplied by affected families and two collected from store shelves in Jerusalem. Officials said all five products showed signs that they had been unlawfully opened before being purchased.

Health Ministry officials emphasized that inspections at the importer’s warehouses and retail locations elsewhere in Israel found no evidence of contamination. A comprehensive review of the manufacturing, import, storage, and distribution process also found no indication of production failures or widespread contamination.

As a condition for resuming food and cosmetic sales, the affected stores must implement a Health Ministry-approved quality control program that includes monitoring product integrity, conducting regular inspections, training employees to identify tampering, and immediately reporting any suspected product interference.

The ministry stressed that there is currently no evidence of a broader problem with Prinok products or the manufacturing process and, therefore, has not ordered a nationwide recall. Police continue to investigate the incident, while the Health Ministry is assisting law enforcement authorities.

Officials also urged consumers to purchase food only in its original, sealed packaging and to carefully inspect products before use. Anyone who suspects contamination or experiences concerning symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention immediately.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)