There is a rise in the number of children being admitted to hospital in 3rd June, 2023, after drinking too many of the flavored frozen drinks in United Kingdom. It is reported to Food Standards Scotland to some cases where children have been admitted to hospital with symptoms similar to intoxication after consuming large quantities of slush drinks in in short period of time.

This health issue has been reported earlier in 2021 and 2022 in Scotland. Excessive consumption of slush ice drinks over a short period of time has been connected to the illness of two children in Scotland, one in Edinburgh in 2022 and the other in Lanark shire in 2021, reported by Food Standards Scotland. Both required hospitalization and displayed signs of glycerol toxicity.

Consuming slush ice drinks in excess can result in high glycerol intake, which can have harmful consequences on the body. Glycerol poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headaches, disorientation, and confusion. Seizures or loss of consciousness may also occur in more serious cases.

It is recommended that children, especially those under the age of three, do not consume more than one of these types of drinks within an hour. One 350 mL slush ice drink may cause headaches, nausea, or vomiting in young children. Drinking more than one in a short period of time may have more serious consequences. According to a 2017 opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), infants who consume less than one 330 mL can of a flavored drink could be exposed to levels high enough to produce negative effects.

a child drinks too many slushies, which have this sugar alcohol- glycerol , then it can leave them with symptoms that are similar to being drunk.

It can be particularly harmful to youngsters under the age of three if they consume too many in a short space of time.

Food Standards Scotland warned that any child, especially those under three years old, should only drink one slushy per hour.

The agency raised the alarm with Perth and Kinross Council on Thursday after noticing a rise in children being admitted to hospital for treatment after drinking them.

Concerns about unlimited refills at amusement parks and theme parks, as well as self-serve alternatives in shops, gas stations, and newsstands, are connected to the potential health dangers connected to unrestricted refill offers. No laws are in place to restrict the availability of self-service refills. 

Unlimited refills and self-serve choices may encourage excessive consumption of beverages, which could be harmful to one’s health. Because refill offers are not monitored or subject to rules, people are free to consume enormous amounts of beverages without being constrained or conscious of their intake. People should exercise caution when selecting their beverages and limit their intake.