• A man in his 40s from southern Israel was arrested in connection with tainted baby food sold in Jerusalem supermarkets containing strong sedatives like clonazepam and lorazepam.
• The investigation began in June after three toddlers were hospitalized for consuming the contaminated baby puree, which led to the discovery of five tainted products, three of which were handed over by customers and two found on store shelves.
• Police are still investigating other leads in the case and may make additional arrests, while the suspect will appear before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court for an extension of his detention.

Police said they are also still investigating other lines of inquiry in the case, which may lead to additional arrests.

Israel Police arrested a man in his 40s from southern Israel on Monday in connection with the baby food sold in Jerusalem grocery stores, which was found to contain strong sedatives when tested earlier this year.

Police arrested the suspect at his home and took him for questioning, police added. He will be brought before the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where police will request an extension of his detention.

Dangerous sedatives found in Prinok baby puree in Jerusalem supermarkets

At the outset of the investigation in June, the Health Ministry confirmed that laboratory tests found clonazepam (sold under the brand names Klonopin or Klonex) and lorazepam in jars of Prinok baby fruit puree sold at two branches of Zol Begadol, a discount supermarket chain in Jerusalem.

The products were purchased at the chain's Mahaneh Yehuda branch at 113 Jaffa Street, and at another branch at 214 Jaffa Street, both in the center of the capital.

Clonazepam (sold under brand names Klonopin or Klonex) and lorazepam (sold under brand names Ativan or Lorivan) belong to the benzodiazepine family, a class of prescription drugs used as sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and other treatments.