The managers of the Zol Ve Gadol branches in Jerusalem, where the Prinok fruit juices containing anesthetics were sold, have been summoned for a police investigation that will take place tomorrow.
The police are making an unusual appeal to the public this evening (Wednesday) and asking them to check that the products purchased for children are closed and sealed following the fruit juice scandal.
""As of this moment, we are aware of only two cases involving products purchased at two different branches," said Deputy Chief Adi Mizrahi Boaron, the Zion Region's investigations and intelligence officer. "The investigation has been conducted thoroughly and intensively, since last Thursday, and with the full cooperation of all parties, and in particular with the Ministry of Health.".
Senior Sergeant Boaron added: "Today, too, in light of the findings that emerged, investigators continued to carry out a variety of diverse actions, both on the covert and overt levels. In light of the fact that these are toddlers and minors, we are doing everything and will turn over every stone to prevent further harm to children.".
She emphasized: "As a mother of children, I call on all of you parents to check that the products you purchase for your children are closed and sealed and stored safely. In the end, this is the most precious thing to us and it is our duty to protect them.".
Today, the Ministry of Health informed the parents of toddlers who were hospitalized after consuming the fruit puree from the company 'Prinuk' that laboratory tests indeed found anesthetics in the product.
It is suspected that the toddlers consumed various types of meat, experienced symptoms of apathy and weakness, and were evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. There they were hospitalized for observation, and only then were they released home.
Two days later, the Ministry of Health announced that immediate closure orders had been issued to two branches of the 'Zol Ve Gadol' chain in Jerusalem - the 'Mahane' branch at 113 Jaffa Street and the branch at 214 Jaffa Street, from which the animals were purchased.
Randy Company, which markets 'Prinuk' products, said: "In accordance with the Ministry of Health's announcement, no indication of a defect or malfunction was found during production, nor of contamination that occurred in the factory itself, and all tests conducted on the products from the importer were found to be normal.".
