A two-year-old girl experienced hypoglycemic shock after consuming a Slush Puppie at a birthday party.
Arla Agnew from Stranraer faced the life-threatening situation after drinking a Slush Puppie at her friend’s birthday party.
Within half an hour of consuming the drink, Arla’s condition deteriorated rapidly and she complained of fatigue, her skin turned grey, and she lost consciousness.
Arla’s grandmother, Stacey Agnew, quickly recognised something was wrong.
Stacey rushed Arla to Galloway Community Hospital on July 27.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Arla was unresponsive and doctors found her blood sugar levels dangerously low.
The toddler was immediately hooked up to wires and an IV tube to stabilise her condition and then transferred to Dumfries and Galloway Hospital for further treatment.
The medical team diagnosed Arla with hypoglycemic shock.
Stacey was informed that the Slush Puppie had caused the issue due to its glycerol content.
When consumed in high quantities, glycerol can lead to hypoglycemic shock in young children.
Stacey emphasised the need for warnings on products containing glycerol: “If we had been just 20 minutes later, Arla could have died. There should be clear warnings on these drinks for children under four.”
What is glycerol?
Glycerol is a sweetening agent used in Slush Puppie syrup to help creates the drink’s texture.
However, when consumed in large amounts, it can cause glycerol intoxication, leading to severe symptoms such as sweating, trembling, fatigue, confusion, heart flutters, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) acknowledged the incident noting that slush ice drinks contain glycerol, which poses risks for young children when consumed in large quantities.
The FSS advises against children under four consuming these drinks and recommends clear labeling on products.
A B&M spokesperson confirmed their compliance with the FSA’s guidelines, stating, “Our current stock packaging adheres to the recommended guidance: ‘Product contains glycerol. Not recommended for children 4 years of age and under.'”
This alarming incident underscores the importance of monitoring food and drink ingredients given to young children.
Stacey Agnew’s urgent message to other families is clear: “Check everything you give to kids for glycerol levels. I don’t want other families going through this.”
Arla has since recovered and returned to her usual bubbly self.
