When Roxy Wallis took her two young sons out for a half-term treat in Peterborough, she never imagined that a simple slushy drink would leave them pale, vomiting, and seemingly lifeless.
The 36-year-old mother from Cambridgeshire was horrified when Austin and Ted, then aged nine and seven, suddenly became weak and unwell just minutes after enjoying their icy drinks.
The Shocking Reaction
Both boys quickly turned lethargic, and Ted even started throwing up.
Worrying photos taken by Roxy show them slumped over, their eyes closed, and their skin alarmingly pale.
At first, she assumed they had food poisoning, but the rapid onset of symptoms didn’t make sense.
After a quick internet search, she stumbled upon a possible culprit—glycerol toxicity.
What Is Glycerol Toxicity?
Glycerol, a sweetening agent used in slushy drinks to prevent them from freezing solid, can be dangerous for young children.
Unlike adults and older kids, smaller children struggle to process glycerol efficiently, which can cause a drastic drop in blood sugar levels.
Mild symptoms include headaches and nausea, but in extreme cases, it can trigger hypoglycemia—a dangerous condition that can lead to seizures, dizziness, and even coma.
A Quick Fix That Prevented a Hospital Visit
Realizing that the slushies might have caused her sons’ reaction, Roxy acted fast.
She bought them both a sugary fizzy drink, which quickly raised their blood sugar levels.
Within 10 to 15 minutes, the boys regained their color and started feeling better. “If they hadn’t improved, I would have taken them straight to the hospital,” she said.
The Growing Concern Over Slushy Drinks
Roxy is now calling for stricter regulations on these popular drinks, which are widely available at attractions, play centers, and restaurants.
While current guidelines warn against giving slushies to children under four, a recent study has shown that even older kids can suffer from glycerol intoxication.
Researchers reviewed medical cases of 21 children who fell seriously ill after consuming slushies and have urged that children under eight avoid them altogether.
A Rising Health Risk
Experts suggest that the increased use of glycerol in slushies might be an unintended consequence of the sugar tax.
Traditional slushies used a sugar solution to maintain their semi-frozen texture, but newer formulas rely on glycerol, requiring far less sugar.
Some brands contain around 16g of glycerol per drink, with no legal limit on how much manufacturers can include.
Calls for Change
Following her terrifying experience, Roxy has banned her children from drinking slushies until they are at least 10 years old and fully supports efforts to introduce stricter age limits.
“It’s scary and concerning,” she said. “These drinks are everywhere, and they seem harmless, but they’re really not.”
Other parents have shared similar horror stories, including a mother whose four-year-old became unresponsive after drinking a slushy at a play center.
Some brands, like Slush Puppie, have already removed glycerol from their recipes in response to safety concerns.
What Parents Need to Know
If your child experiences sudden weakness, vomiting, or extreme lethargy after consuming a slushy, it could be due to glycerol toxicity.
Offering a sugary drink can help counteract the effects, but if symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Until clearer regulations are in place, parents should be cautious about allowing their kids to consume these icy treats.
The lesson from Roxy’s experience is clear—what seems like an innocent refreshment can have dangerous consequences.
As awareness grows, parents and experts alike are pushing for better safety measures to protect children from the hidden dangers of slushy drinks.