In January 2025, an alarming incident involving a young boy from Scotland brought to light the potential dangers of slush drinks, which are particularly popular among children during the warmer months. The three-year-old boy was hospitalized after consuming a raspberry slush, displaying concerning symptoms shortly thereafter. According to his mother, after drinking the slush, her son soon began to behave erratically, groaning and becoming limp, prompting an urgent visit to the hospital where he was diagnosed with suspected glycerol poisoning.
Health professionals identified a link between the boy's condition and the high levels of glycerol found in slush syrups, a common ingredient used to enhance sweetness and provide texture. Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a type of sugar alcohol frequently used in confections like cakes and candies. The substance is often employed in slush beverages as a freezing depressant, yet its excessive consumption can lead to adverse health effects, particularly in young children.
A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood evaluated the effects of glycerol present in slush syrups on children who required hospital care after consuming these drinks. This investigation scrutinized medical records from 21 children admitted to hospitals in England and Ireland between 2009 and 2024. Researchers reported that a staggering 93% of the children fell ill within an hour of indulging in slush drinks, with no previous medical histories to explain their sudden health issues.
The symptoms these children exhibited were serious: 95% experienced hypoglycemia, 94% had acute consciousness disorders, and 94% faced metabolic acidosis. Fortunately, after refraining from further slush consumption, the kids recovered. Urine tests revealed elevated glycerol levels, shedding light on the potential cause behind their health episodes.
As experts delved deeper into these cases, there was a growing consensus on the recommendation that children under the age of eight should avoid slush drinks altogether. This recommendation was echoed by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which cautioned about the glycerol content in slush beverages.
The situation is particularly dire as slush drinks are marketed as low-sugar or sugar-free, luring parents into a false sense of security. Instead, these drinks typically contain glycerin (E 422), which can have severe consequences when consumed in large quantities. Reports suggest that a child weighing 20 kilograms could consume a concerning amount of glycerin from just 200 milliliters of slush.
In a separate, shocking incident, four-year-old Marnie Moore fell seriously ill after drinking a slushy at a children’s party in Lancashire. Her mother, Kim Moore, described the terrifying experience in which her daughter, who had consumed only half a one-liter slushy cup, suddenly became unresponsive. Kim rushed Marnie first to Burnley General Teaching Hospital and then to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, only to learn that the cause of her daughter’s condition was the slush drink. Marnie was diagnosed with hypoglycemic shock and required hospitalization for three days.
Reflecting on the incident, Kim stated, “I had no clue what had caused it. She was unconscious for around 25 minutes while they brought her blood sugars up.” Frightened by the sudden and severe reaction her daughter experienced, Kim expressed her belief that the recommended age for slushy consumption should be raised to twelve years old. “I don’t think slushies should be allowed at all. I personally wouldn't allow my child to drink one at all. It's not a risk I'm willing to take,” she said, highlighting the broader implications of recent studies and her personal experience.
Health professionals have urged parents to be vigilant regarding the signs of glycerol poisoning, which can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These symptoms, attributed to glycerin toxicity, can result from just one sugary slushy.
In the aftermath of these incidents and given the findings of the studies, health authorities are reevaluating the implications of slushy drinks on children’s health. While slush drinks have been a staple of summer fun for decades, parents are left with a dilemma: balancing the joy these frozen treats bring to their children against the serious health risks they may pose.
As summer approaches, it remains essential for parents to educate themselves about the ingredients in commercial beverages and remain cautious about what their children consume. In a climate where quick, sugary refreshments are often seen as harmless fun, awareness about potential toxic ingredients like glycerol in slush may reshape how we view these seemingly innocent summer delights.
In summary, while slush drinks might be a cherished summer indulgence for many children, their safety during consumption is being called into question. Health risks associated with glycerin toxicity are leading to urgent calls for oversight and regulations to protect children and ensure parents can make informed decisions regarding their children’s health.
