The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court extended the detention of a man suspected of involvement in placing sedative substances in baby fruit-puree jars until September 6, Israel Police said on Tuesday.
The decision allows investigators to continue questioning the suspect while he remains in custody. The suspect, a man in his 40s from southern Israel, was arrested at his home on Monday following what police described as a breakthrough in the investigation. His name remains under a court-imposed publication ban until Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Police suspect that sedative substances were deliberately inserted into jars of Prinok fruit puree sold at two Zol Begadol supermarket branches on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem.
The Health Ministry confirmed in June that laboratory tests found clonazepam and lorazepam in several jars. Both are prescription medications from the benzodiazepine family and can cause drowsiness, weakness and confusion.
At least three young children were hospitalized after consuming the puree and were later discharged in stable condition. Earlier reports placed the number of hospitalized children at four.
According to the Health Ministry, five contaminated jars were identified during the investigation. Three were provided by customers, and two were found on store shelves. All five showed signs of having been opened or tampered with before purchase.
Tests on products obtained from the importer found no contamination, and the ministry said it had found no evidence of a manufacturing defect. No general recall of Prinok products was issued.
The two Zol Begadol branches where the affected jars were sold were initially closed. They were later barred from selling food and cosmetic products until they established stricter quality-control measures, including limiting uncontrolled access to products and regularly checking for damaged packaging.
Attorney says suspect has mental-health conditions
Attorney Zecharia Shenkolevsky, who is representing the suspect on behalf of the Public Defender’s Office, said his client has a mental-health condition and is currently in a complex psychological state.
“The investigation is in its early stages, and we expect it to be conducted while protecting his rights, certainly in light of his medical circumstances,” Shenkolevsky said, adding that the suspect was cooperating with investigators.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Unless he is released earlier, the suspect will remain in custody until September 6, when police will have to seek a further extension if they believe his continued detention is necessary.
Goldie Katz, Maya Zanger-Shamir and Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.