Jerusalem Court Remands Suspect Accused of Drugging Baby Food
Hod Israel, 40, remains in custody until September 9 after being suspected of adding sedatives to Prinuk baby food in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, 6 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Sunday extended the detention of Hod Israel, 40, from southern Israel, suspected of adding sedatives to Prinuk baby fruit purées. He will remain in custody until Wednesday, September 9.
Israel was arrested late last month as part of an investigation by the Jerusalem District’s Crime-Fighting Unit. Police suspect he deliberately poisoned the baby food. After reviewing the evidence, the court found reasonable suspicion linking him to the alleged acts. Police are also investigating possible involvement by others.
The case emerged in June when several Jerusalem children were hospitalized after eating Prinuk purées. They suffered from drowsiness, weakness and apathy, and tests found benzodiazepines in their bodies.
The Health Ministry found clonazepam and lorazepam in five jars bought at two Jerusalem supermarkets. The jars had been opened illegally before purchase, and investigators ruled out contamination during production.