Mother Advocates for Ban on Slushies After Terrifying Incident Leaves Daughter Unconscious
A mother in Burnley, Lancashire, is calling for a ban on slushie drinks for children under 12 after her daughter had a frightening experience at a children’s party. Kim Moore faced every parent’s worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie suddenly became “pale and unresponsive” after consuming a slushy at a party. The 35-year-old mother had purchased refillable slushies for Marnie and her older sister Orla, but just 10 minutes after drinking it, Marnie fell unconscious.
Kim rushed her daughter to Burnley General Teaching Hospital, where doctors discovered that Marnie’s blood sugar levels were dangerously low. Fearful for her daughter’s life, Kim took Marnie to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, where she spent the next three days under medical care. Doctors informed Kim that Marnie’s condition was likely caused by glycerol toxicity, a potential side effect from consuming slush-ice drinks.
A recent study highlighted that children under the age of eight should avoid slush-ice drinks containing glycerol after tracking cases of 21 children who became ill after consuming such beverages. Reflecting on her daughter’s ordeal that occurred in 2020, Kim believes that the age recommendation for consuming slushies should be raised to 12, considering the serious health risks involved.
Recounting the incident, Kim described how Marnie initially appeared tired and then suddenly became unconscious, prompting her to seek urgent medical attention. Doctors diagnosed Marnie with hypoglycemic shock due to low blood sugar levels, a condition that required immediate intervention to stabilise her condition. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the cause of Marnie’s illness at first, medical professionals later linked it to the slushy she had consumed.
Following the traumatic experience, Kim made the decision to prohibit her daughter from consuming slushed drinks ever again. She expressed her concern over the prevalence of free slushie promotions targeted at children, emphasising the potential dangers associated with such beverages. Kim firmly believes that slushies should not be available to children under 12, citing her own family’s harrowing experience and the lasting impact it had on them.
In light of the ongoing debate about the safety of slushie drinks for young children, Kim’s advocacy for stricter regulations serves as a stark reminder of the hidden risks posed by seemingly harmless treats. With parents increasingly vigilant about the food and drinks their children consume, the call for improved safety measures around sugary beverages is gaining momentum.
The incident involving Marnie has prompted Kim to raise awareness about the potential dangers of slushies, urging parents to remain cautious and informed about the products their children consume. As the conversation around children’s health and well-being continues, Kim’s campaign for a ban on slushies for young children sheds light on the importance of prioritising safety and precaution in everyday choices.
As more families become aware of the risks associated with sugary drinks, Kim’s story serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for greater oversight and regulation in the food and beverage industry. By sharing her traumatic experience, Kim hopes to prevent other families from encountering similar health scares and advocates for stricter guidelines to safeguard children’s health in the future.