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The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Urgent warning over slushy drinks that leave children unconscious – after toddler was '20 minutes from death'
EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning over popular slushy drinks that could leave children unconscious. Parents giving the icy shakes to kids as a cooling summer treat were told they may contain high amounts of a sweet syrup that's dangerous to young children. Advertisement 6 Slushy drinks could be dangerous to children under the age of seven Credit: Getty 6 Arla Agnew was rushed to hospital with hypoglycemia after drinking a Slush Puppie Credit: Supplied 6 Ted (front) and Austin Wallis (back) had glycerol intoxication syndrome after drinking slushies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Brightly coloured slushies are a mainstay at cinemas, corner shops and theme parks - especially as temperatures ramp up. But the sweet icy drinks often contain glycerol, a sugar substitute that gives slushies their signature, semi-frozen texture. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has now updated its guidance to state that slush ice drinks containing glycerol are not suitable for children under seven. It follows several incidents involving slushy drinks in recent months. Advertisement Read more on slushies A two-year-old girl was left listless and grey and "20 minutes from death" after having a slushy drink at a neighbour's birthday party, according to her gran. And two young boys became violently ill after slurping on slushies as a half term treat. Earlier this year, the — which are designed to appeal to children — were linked to the hospitalisation of 21 children aged two to seven. Members of the food watchdog's board called for the change after reviewing evidence on the risk of glycerol to young children's health. Advertisement Most read in Health UK guidance previously stated that that slush ice drinks with glycerol are not recommended for children under four due to the risk of glycerol intoxication, and that those under 11 should have no more than one. Now, the FSA warned parents not to give the drinks to children under seven. Urgent warning over popular drink after toddler collapses in front of terrified mum FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb: "In the warm weather, children may be more likely to consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol, so it's important that parents and carers are aware of the risks. "As a precaution, the FSA is recommending that children under seven do not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol." Advertisement Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol - also called E422 or glycerine on some labels - as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. The sugar substitute is also found in some other foods, but at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome. Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School in Birmingham, previously told Sun Health why children - who are smaller than adults - are more at risk of drinking dangerous amounts. Advertisement "If too much glycerol is consumed too quickly and in too large a volume, it can potentially change the blood concentration," Dr Mellor said. "This can then affect the amount of fluid around the brain, leading to symptoms including confusion, dizziness, nausea and even, on occasion, loss of consciousness." Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, told Sun Health: "Glycerol may cause side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. "In the case of slush-ice drinks, the dangers are typically associated with very high levels of exposure and may lead to glycerol intoxication, which could cause hypoglycaemia, shock and loss of consciousness. Advertisement "The Food Standards Agency state that there are concerns about its acute effects on young children when consumed in large amounts over a short period, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms listed above. "Whilst symptoms are usually mild, young children may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol." According to the FSA, just one 350ml drink with the highest levels of glycerol could potentially cause a problem for a four-year-old. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. Advertisement 'Protect children' FSA board members previously conducted a risk assessment of slushy ice drinks in 2023, "which was based on average body weight" estimates for children. This time, the food watchdog took a more cautious approach, taking into account that some children might have a lower than average body weight for their age. "The assessment incorporated information from recent glycerol intoxication incidents and assessed the impact of one serving of slush ice drink (350ml with 50,000mg/L glycerol) on children with a lower-than-average body weight for their age," the FSA wrote. "As children's weights vary, body weight has been converted to age to provide more practical advice for parents and businesses." Advertisement The updated advice applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. The FSA advised businesses selling slushies to add the minimum amount of glycerol needed to achieve the desired texture. It also called on businesses to share how much glycerol was being added to drinks and foods. Prof Jebb said: "We expect industry to share data on the quantity of glycerol in their products to inform our future work. Advertisement "Meanwhile, there are immediate actions they can take that can help protect children and reduce the risk from these products. "For example, retailers should limit cup sizes and should not offer free refill promotions to children under 10." 6 Arla had a drink from a countertop Slush Puppie machine Credit: Supplied 6 The tot was rushed to hospital hours later Credit: Supplied Advertisement 6 Roxy Wallis, 36, with her sons, who became violently ill after having the frozen drinks Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Arla Agnew, two, was left falling in and out of consciousness after enjoying the popular frozen treat at a neighbour's birthday party. Arla's gran, Stacey, 39, told "The doctor said to us if we had been another 20 minutes it could have been so different. We were absolutely devastated," the gran added. Advertisement Meanwhile, mum Roxy Wallis, 36, said her two sons "My middle child felt sick, dizzy, and incredibly pale. By the time we reached the ticket machine, he had vomited everywhere. "At this point, my oldest son looked pale and felt sick but wasn't as bad - he was a bit bigger than his brother.' Abbas shared advice for parents in the event that their child suffers a reaction after drinking a slushy. Advertisement "If you suspect intoxication from a slushie drink and your child is experiencing any symptoms, even if they are mild, seek immediate medical attention. "This is important so that your child can be assessed and any serious reactions can be ruled out."
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning over slushy drinks that leave children unconscious – after toddler was '20 minutes from death'
EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning over popular slushy drinks that could leave children unconscious. Parents giving the icy shakes to kids as a cooling summer treat were told they may contain high amounts of a sweet syrup that's dangerous to young children. 6 Slushy drinks could be dangerous to children under the age of seven Credit: Getty 6 Arla Agnew was rushed to hospital with hypoglycemia after drinking a Slush Puppie Credit: Supplied 6 Ted (front) and Austin Wallis (back) had glycerol intoxication syndrome after drinking slushies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Brightly coloured slushies are a mainstay at cinemas, corner shops and theme parks - especially as temperatures ramp up. But the sweet icy drinks often contain glycerol, a sugar substitute that gives slushies their signature, semi-frozen texture. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has now updated its guidance to state that slush ice drinks containing glycerol are not suitable for children under seven. It follows several incidents involving slushy drinks in recent months. A two-year-old girl was left listless and grey and "20 minutes from death" after having a slushy drink at a neighbour's birthday party, according to her gran. And two young boys became violently ill after slurping on slushies as a half term treat. Earlier this year, the brightly-coloured drinks — which are designed to appeal to children — were linked to the hospitalisation of 21 children aged two to seven. Members of the food watchdog's board called for the change after reviewing evidence on the risk of glycerol to young children's health. UK guidance previously stated that that slush ice drinks with glycerol are not recommended for children under four due to the risk of glycerol intoxication, and that those under 11 should have no more than one. Now, the FSA warned parents not to give the drinks to children under seven. Urgent warning over popular drink after toddler collapses in front of terrified mum FSA chair Professor Susan Jebb: "In the warm weather, children may be more likely to consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol, so it's important that parents and carers are aware of the risks. "As a precaution, the FSA is recommending that children under seven do not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol." Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol - also called E422 or glycerine on some labels - as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. The sugar substitute is also found in some other foods, but at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome. Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School in Birmingham, previously told Sun Health why children - who are smaller than adults - are more at risk of drinking dangerous amounts. "If too much glycerol is consumed too quickly and in too large a volume, it can potentially change the blood concentration," Dr Mellor said. "This can then affect the amount of fluid around the brain, leading to symptoms including confusion, dizziness, nausea and even, on occasion, loss of consciousness." Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, told Sun Health: "Glycerol may cause side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. "In the case of slush-ice drinks, the dangers are typically associated with very high levels of exposure and may lead to glycerol intoxication, which could cause hypoglycaemia, shock and loss of consciousness. "The Food Standards Agency state that there are concerns about its acute effects on young children when consumed in large amounts over a short period, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms listed above. "Whilst symptoms are usually mild, young children may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol." According to the FSA, just one 350ml drink with the highest levels of glycerol could potentially cause a problem for a four-year-old. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. 'Protect children' FSA board members previously conducted a risk assessment of slushy ice drinks in 2023, "which was based on average body weight" estimates for children. This time, the food watchdog took a more cautious approach, taking into account that some children might have a lower than average body weight for their age. "The assessment incorporated information from recent glycerol intoxication incidents and assessed the impact of one serving of slush ice drink (350ml with 50,000mg/L glycerol) on children with a lower-than-average body weight for their age," the FSA wrote. "As children's weights vary, body weight has been converted to age to provide more practical advice for parents and businesses." The updated advice applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. The FSA advised businesses selling slushies to add the minimum amount of glycerol needed to achieve the desired texture. It also called on businesses to share how much glycerol was being added to drinks and foods. Prof Jebb said: "We expect industry to share data on the quantity of glycerol in their products to inform our future work. "Meanwhile, there are immediate actions they can take that can help protect children and reduce the risk from these products. "For example, retailers should limit cup sizes and should not offer free refill promotions to children under 10." 6 Arla had a drink from a countertop Slush Puppie machine Credit: Supplied 6 The tot was rushed to hospital hours later Credit: Supplied 6 Roxy Wallis, 36, with her sons, who became violently ill after having the frozen drinks Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Arla Agnew, two, was left falling in and out of consciousness after enjoying the popular frozen treat at a neighbour's birthday party. Arla's gran, Stacey, 39, told The Scottish Sun that they youngster became "limp and lifeless" in the hours after consuming the drink and was rushed to hospital, where it was found her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. "The doctor said to us if we had been another 20 minutes it could have been so different. We were absolutely devastated," the gran added. Meanwhile, mum Roxy Wallis, 36, said her two sons fell violently ill minutes after drinking slushies. "My middle child felt sick, dizzy, and incredibly pale. By the time we reached the ticket machine, he had vomited everywhere. "At this point, my oldest son looked pale and felt sick but wasn't as bad - he was a bit bigger than his brother.' Abbas shared advice for parents in the event that their child suffers a reaction after drinking a slushy. "If you suspect intoxication from a slushie drink and your child is experiencing any symptoms, even if they are mild, seek immediate medical attention. "This is important so that your child can be assessed and any serious reactions can be ruled out."
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning over slushy drinks as children are left unconscious and one toddler was '20 minutes from death'
Experts have issued an alarming health warning over the hidden dangers of slushies due to their adverse effects on young children. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK has warned that ice drinks containing the super-sweet substance glycerol are not suitable for kids under seven. It comes amid a surge in horrifying reports of children collapsing after consuming the drinks. One two-year-old girl was left '20 minutes from death' after having a slushy at her friend's birthday party, according to her grandmother. Experts said just one 350ml drink, about as much as a can of soda, could be enough to cause problems in children under four. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. In March, doctors also blamed slushie s for a spate of 21 hospitalizations in children who needed medical care within an hour of consuming the drinks. One grandmother Stacey Agnew last year told how her granddaughter was left '20 minutes from death' after consuming a slushy drink at her friend's birthday party. Arla Agnew became 'gray' and fell unconscious only 30 minutes after sipping half of the drink at the event. Stacey said she knew something was wrong with the toddler, and was left terrified when she suddenly appeared lifeless. After rushing the tot to the hospital medics determined the child had gone into hypoglycemic shock - and the ice drink may have been to blame. But the case was just one in a wave of young children being sickened after consuming slushies. A terrified mother also warned of the dangers of popular slushy drinks after her two young sons suffered what appeared to be a dangerous reaction to the beverages earlier this year. Roxy Wallis was shocked to find her sons vomiting, deathly pale and looking 'lifeless' minutes after consuming just 300ml of the drinks, equivalent to less than a can of Coke. The mom believes they suffered from glycerol toxicity - dangerously low blood sugar triggered by iced artificially sweetened slushies. In the same month, another mother also shared how her four-year-old was left 'floppy and unconscious' and rushed to hospital after consuming a drink at a children's play center. Marnie Moore was rushed to hospital where she received urgent treatment for glycerol toxicity. Her mother, Kim Moore is now calling for a ban on the drinks for under 12s. 'If I hadn't taken her to hospital, it may have had a different outcome,' she said. 'So many places promote free slushies when you play but you're promoting poison. 'I don't think they should be sold to kids 12 and under. And I personally wouldn't allow my child to drink one at all. It's not a risk I'm willing to take.' Glycerol, also called E422 or glycerine on some labels, is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute which is added to slushies to prevent them from freezing. Once ingested the substance is known to absorb a great deal of water and sugar from the bloodstream, before being broken down by the liver and kidneys. It's this sudden loss of internal moisture and blood sugar that experts believe leads to the serious and potentially life-threatening reaction in younger children. Professor Susan Jebb, FSA Chair, said: 'In the warm weather, children may be more likely to consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol, so it's important that parents and carers are aware of the risks. 'As a precaution, the FSA is recommending that children under seven do not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol. 'We expect industry to share data on the quantity of glycerol in their products to inform our future work. 'Meanwhile, there are immediate actions they can take that can help protect children and reduce the risk from these products. 'For example, retailers should limit cup sizes and should not offer free refill promotions to children under 10.'
