The tragedy happened when two infants were hospitalized after consuming iced slushy drinks, highlighting the potential dangers of these popular beverages.
The drinks contain an additive called glycerol, which can have severe consequences for young children.
Regulators advise against selling slushies to children under the age of four due to the risk posed by glycerol intoxication.
Things to know about Glycerol in iced slushy drinks
Slushy ice drinks are a popular drink globally. They are often sold in amusement parks and movie theaters and are considered child-friendly drinks.
However, in reality, this drink is extremely dangerous for children, especially children under 4 years old.
Slushy ice drinks contain an additive called Glycerol, or E422, which creates a dense effect for iced drinks that do not freeze and create a sweet taste even without sugar.
According to reports, Glycerol is mildly toxic to humans if used in minimal amounts.
Our bodies can process it in 'safe' amounts before it builds up and causes serious consequences.
However, this additive is not a child-friendly substance. A child's body weight is lower, and the safe amount of glycerol will also be much smaller than in adults.
Some signs of glycerol poisoning
Vomiting and headache are two mild signs of glycerol poisoning. Higher levels can cause people to go into shock, paralyzing the blood circulatory system.
Vomiting and headache are two signs of mild glycerol poisoning.
Higher levels can cause people to go into shock, paralyzing the blood circulatory system.
Glycerol poisoning can also cause the body to have severe hypoglycemia, leading to seizures and loss of consciousness. In particular, shock and hypoglycemia are two life-threatening cases that require emergency medical care.
Two infants almost lost their lives after consuming ice slushy drinks
Recently, two special cases have highlighted the dangers of iced slushy drinks and the additive glycerol.
A four-year-old boy from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, suffered convulsions and shock after drinking a strawberry-flavored slushy.
According to Beth Green, 24 years old, the boy's mother, her son passed out after absorbing iced slushy drinks. The boy began to hallucinate and act unconsciously.
The mother quickly took the boy to the hospital where doctors diagnosed him with dangerously low blood sugar. The boy's heart rate was so slow that everyone thought he was dead.
Fortunately, the boy was taken to the hospital promptly before he completely lost his life from iced slushy drinks.
Another case occurred in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, when a three-year-old boy fell into danger after consuming iced slushy drinks bought on a street corner.
The boy's mother said she bought a raspberry-flavored slushie for him when she and her son went shopping without realizing the drink could be dangerous for her son.
Just 30 minutes later, the boy suddenly collapsed and gradually became cold because his blood sugar level had dropped to a critical level.
After being taken to the hospital, the boy remained in a coma for two hours.
However, the boy was still saved in time.
Medical warning about Glycerol
The Food Safety Agency (FSA) advises against free refills of slushies for children under ten and urges manufacturers to minimize glycerol content.
The FSA will monitor compliance and consider further action. Though slushy packaging often lacks glycerol details, the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) assures its members comply with the guidance.
Glycerol is used in small amounts in precooked pasta, rice, and breakfast cereal, posing no hazard to children.
