Four children, two pairs of siblings aged 3 and 1, were rushed Thursday to the pediatric emergency room at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital after playing in the yard near their home and arriving drowsy, weak and apathetic.
Blood tests found traces of benzodiazepines, sedative and anesthetic substances found in adult anti-anxiety medications such as Valium and Clonex. Following their hospitalization, the Health Ministry is examining a possible connection to baby fruit puree from the Prinok brand, which was purchased at branches of the Zol U’Begadol chain.
Hadassah said several days ago that medical and nursing teams in the pediatric emergency room carried out a range of tests. All four children were fully conscious and their condition improved significantly. They were hospitalized for observation for one night only and were discharged Friday in good condition.
Following the incident, the Health Ministry said Monday there was concern over a possible link to a product the children had eaten. After receiving the report, the ministry opened an epidemiological investigation and began immediate supervision and inspection measures to urgently examine the matter.
According to the ministry, at this stage it cannot be determined with certainty whether there is any connection between the cases and the product. The product was sold as individual units and not in a package.
Still, even though a link to the product has not been proven, the Health Ministry is asking parents who fed their children the product to watch for any change in their children’s behavior, including drowsiness, exhaustion or confused speech. Parents are advised to contact their pediatrician and the Health Ministry hotline at *5400, and to mention the possible connection to the product.
The Health Ministry also reminded the public that when buying and consuming food products, they should make sure the product is sealed and intact, properly labeled, stored under suitable conditions and has the appearance, color and smell typical of the product.
The ministry said it is in contact with enforcement authorities and will continue to update the public as needed.