Youngsters under the age of seven should avoid slush drinks containing glycerol, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Parents have been warned of the dangers young children consuming a popular summer drink.
Youngsters under the age of seven should avoid slush drinks containing glycerol, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Slush drinks may seem harmless, with their sweet taste and vibrant colours, but recent studies have highlighted potential health hazards associated with them, the Mirror reports.
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The British Medical Journal published a study which revealed that 21 children required A&E treatment between 2018 and 2024 after becoming acutely unwell within an hour of consuming the drinks.
Professor Susan Jebb, the chair of FSA, said: “In the warm weather, children may be more likely to consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol, so it’s important that parents and carers are aware of the risks.
“As a precaution, the FSA is recommending that children under seven do not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
“With our counterparts in Scotland, we will be talking to parent groups and charities to provide updated guidance that is useful and applicable across the UK.
“We expect industry to share data on the quantity of glycerol in their products to inform our future work.”
Prof Jebb continued: “Meanwhile, there are immediate actions they can take to help protect children and reduce the risk from these products.
“For example, retailers should limit cup sizes and should not offer free refill promotions to children under 10.”
Glycerol, also known as E422 on an ingredient lists, helps maintain the drink’s slush-like consistency by preventing the liquid from freezing solid.
The FSA has insisted brand owners must ensure their customers were informed about the risks of glycerol in these icy treats.
The guide stated: “Brand owners will formulate products to contain glycerol at the minimum quantity technically necessary to achieve the required ‘slush’ drink effect.
“Brand owners will advise their customers that sales of slush ice drinks containing glycerol should be accompanied by a written warning visible at the point of sale.”
As an example, the FSA suggested: “Product contains glycerol. Not recommended for children 4 years of age and under.”
Although glycerol is usually safe, it can affect young children significantly if they have too much too quickly.
The FSA warned: “While the symptoms of glycerol intoxication are usually mild, it is important that parents are aware of the risks, particularly at high levels of consumption.
“It is likely that there is under-reporting of glycerol intoxication, as parents may attribute nausea and headaches to other factors.”
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child has consumed a large amount of glycerol and shown symptoms such as decreased consciousness or hypoglycaemia,
Medics should be told if the unwell child has consumed a slush ice drink containing glycerol.
Symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low blood sugar
- Loss of consciousness or shock, in severe cases
People should call 999 or head to A&E if their child was having difficulty breathing, is unconscious, or has turned blue.
With less serious symptoms, like headache or nausea, 111 can be contacted for guidance.
