Israeli Teen in Critical Condition After Severe Allergic Reaction to Ice Cream Containing Milk

A 13-year-old boy from Safed was hospitalized in critical condition at Ziv Medical Center after suffering a severe allergic reaction to milk. The boy, who has a known allergy to dairy products, unknowingly consumed an ice cream containing milk residues. His condition rapidly deteriorated during transport to the hospital, developing acute breathing difficulties and a full-body rash, symptoms indicative of anaphylaxis.

Upon arrival at the pediatric emergency department, the medical team led by Dr. Reem Ali and Dr. Alaa Ganaim administered urgent life-saving treatment, stabilizing the boy and transferring him to the pediatric intensive care unit for close monitoring. As of the latest update, his condition is stable and mild.

Dr. Diana Faour Qassem, head of pediatric emergency at Ziv, emphasized the critical importance of rapid hospital arrival in such allergic emergencies, crediting the swift intervention by the medical and nursing staff for saving the boy's life.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about "pareve" labeled products containing lab-produced milk protein BLG, which have caused similar life-threatening allergic reactions in recent months. The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued urgent warnings about these hidden allergens, especially in kosher-certified foods where "pareve" is trusted to mean dairy-free.

Recent comparable cases include a 12-year-old boy in Yeruham who nearly died after eating "pareve" pizza with milk residues, and a 20-year-old in Jerusalem who suffered a severe allergic attack after eating a milk-containing doughnut. These events underscore the urgent need for clear allergen labeling and greater public awareness to protect individuals with severe food allergies.

Ziv Medical Center continues to monitor the Safed boy closely, and his family expressed gratitude to the medical team for their prompt and effective care.