An Irvine mother, whose daughter was rushed to hospital after suffering slush-induced glycerol intoxication, has criticised the store that sold her the drink for failing to make her aware of the dangers.
Laura Allan’s three-year-old daughter, Holly, spent five hours in A&E after she fell to the floor an hour after drinking the slush and projectile vomited for 45 minutes before her eyes rolled back into her head and she went floppy.
Thankfully, the little girl has since recovered, but her mother vented on Facebook about JH News, which sold her the drink. “I had no idea about glycerol poisoning … but I’ve been told by nursing staff and since done some research and shop owners are supposed to inform you if there are high levels of it in their slushie mix as it’s no longer recommended for under 7s!” she said. “The person that sold it in that shop knew it was for her [my daughter] and said nothing, there was no signs anywhere near those slushie machines at the front of the store. Profit over health clearly!!”
However, JH News, which is based inside Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine, has disputed that the shop was at fault, posting pictures of multiple warning signs located by the slush machine and till area. “We have heard that there is some unfortunate news circulating on Facebook about a terrible reaction that a little girl has had after having some slushie from our shop,” said the retailer. “We are so sorry to hear this, and we hope that the wee girl is doing better and our heart goes out to her.
“We cannot take responsibly for something which is the parent’s duty. We have clear signs displayed on our slushie machines informing all customers and responsible parents of the unhealthy ingredients included in the slushies and advisories on age restriction. It is the parent’s job to judge what is suitable for their children and make a decision accordingly. We cannot police all of our customers at the till about who the slushie is for – that is their own responsibility as a parent. Again, we are sorry to hear of what’s happened to the wee girl and hope she’s all better now.”
In June Food Standards Scotland (FSS) updated its voluntary guidance, advising that slush ice drinks containing glycerol should not be sold to children aged under seven.
Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. Businesses are advised to only add glycerol at the minimum quantity technically necessary to achieve the slush effect.
While symptoms of glycerol intoxication are usually mild, when consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause shock, very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has developed a stakeholder toolkit to support businesses and help them communicate the guidance to customers.
