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Shocked mum says Eezy Freezy ice pop from Home Bargains turned her son blue

An ice lolly maker will change its recipe after one of its products turned a four-year-old son's mouth and tongue a lurid blue.

Horrified mum Karen Brazier, from Westgate, complained to them after little Archie started eating an Eezy Freezy ice pop.

Karen Brazier with the Eezy Freezy lolly packet
Karen Brazier with the Eezy Freezy lolly packet

"I've never seen anything like it, " said the 33-year-old mum-of-two.

"We tried getting it off with a baby wipe at first but it wouldn't budge.

"It took ages to wash and scrub the dye off and his poor little face and hands which were all sore," she said.

"Not only was his mouth bright blue but the next day his poo was green which really upset him. God knows what it's done to his insides?"

Now the manufacturer has admitted the lolly has too much colour dye in it and it will reduce the level.

Archie Brazier's tongue and mouth were turned blue
Archie Brazier's tongue and mouth were turned blue

Mrs Brazier, a full-time mum, says she bought the box of lollies for Archie from Home Bargains in Margate.

"I'd never bought them before but it was a hot day so I thought it would be a treat.

"Fortunately, his older brother Finlay wanted an ice cream instead so didn't have the same problem.

"You have to freeze them when you get home but soon after Archie began eating the lolly, his mouth and tongue turned blue."

Karen, of Dunstan Avenue, says she complained to the manufacturer Rose via a contact email she found on the packet and also on its Facebook page.

Archie Brazier, 4
Archie Brazier, 4

"I really don't want another parent to go through this because it is really quite alarming.

"What worries me is that the product is still on sale and should be withdrawn. I certainly won't be buying them again.

"My sofa and rug is also covered in the dye but when I complained, all they offered us was a goody bag for Archie, which I thought was a bit of an insult."

In an emailed reply to Mr Brazier's complaint, a Rose technical assistant said: "I am sorry for the distress one of our products has caused you.

"We have sold Blue Raspberry for many years as a fun and novel tongue painter for kids but we do appreciate it is not to everyone’s liking and as such they are sold as part of a multipack of other fruit flavours.

"The colour used is E133 or Brilliant Blue and is a commonly used food dye. We dose at 100ppm, within the limits provided by the FSA, but I do accept that this might be a little high, so from the next production we will ensure this is reduced to ensure the colouring of the tongue is not as severe.

"I can suggest some remedies, but these are non specific and not from a professional point of view - I would use warm water and some form of soap / cleanser that you have in your house and that you have used on your/ your child’s face before, and use a cotton wool ball to rub lips.

"Again I am sorry for the distress. If you still have the packaging is it possible to send by return the best before date.

"I would like to offer you as a gesture of goodwill a goody bag for your little one to enjoy."

KentOnline has contacted Rose for comment.

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