Warning issued over slush drinks after Scots toddler taken to hospital

A warning has been issued by an NHS board over the toxicity of slush drinks after a Scots toddler was taken to hospital after drinking them.

Arla Agnew was rushed to Stranraer A&E after becoming unresponsive shortly after consuming a slush drink on July 27.

Grandmother Stacey Agnew posted on Facebook about the incident, adding that doctors said the outcome could have been “very different” had they been just 20 minutes later in getting the toddler help.

After being admitted to hospital, doctors found Arla’s blood sugar levels were abnormally low, which is a condition called hypoglycaemia that needs immediate treatment.

Doctors were able to bring her blood sugar levels back up but the toddler had to be rushed to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for further treatment.

Medical staff told the family that glycerol – a chemical compound used to prevent liquids from freezing solid – found in slush drinks was the likely cause of her condition.

The toddler made a swift recovery with Ms Agnew saying she is “so much better” and was expected home on July 28.

Ms Agnew urged other parents to check products they are giving to their children, adding she wouldn’t wish the situation on anyone.

She said: “Hoping this post will just make parents that are as oblivious as us that we just need to check what they are getting sometimes, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

The incident has prompted NHS Orkney to issue a warning reminding parents of the current advice surrounding ice drinks containing glycerol.

They said that although the compound is low in toxicity there are concerns about the effect on young children when large quantities are consumed over a short period of time.

The health board said the concerns are due to potential side-effects.

It wrote: “This is due to the potential for side-effects such as headaches and sickness, particularly when consumed in excess.

“In worst cases glycerol intoxication occurs, which can cause shock, low blood sugar and loss of consciousness.”

The Food Standard Agency’s current advice is that slush ice drinks should not be sold to children aged four and under.

Additionally, they advise against free refill promotions on the drinks being offered to children under ten.

This isn’t the first time the compound has been linked to issues with young children.

In 2023, parents in Perth and Kinross were warned to keep an eye on what their children were drinking after doctors linked a rise in youngsters being admitted for treatment to the icy drinks.

The council said it had been alerted to the issue by Food Standards Scotland.

The authority said there had been a rise in children having to be admitted with “symptoms similar to intoxication” after consuming the frozen treat.

Slush Puppie has been contacted for comment.