The Food Standards Agency has warned that very high levels of exposure to glycerol, common in slushie drinks, can lead to shock, very low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness
Children under the age of seven should not be given slush ice drinks that contain glycerol, according to a new warning issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The guidance comes amid growing concerns about the potential health risks these popular drinks pose to young children.
The FSA has advised that children aged seven to ten should consume no more than 350ml of slush ice drinks per day – roughly equivalent to the size of a regular can of fizzy drink.
This recommendation is based on evidence that glycerol, a common additive used to create the signature texture of slushies, can lead to adverse health effects when consumed in large amounts over a short period.
High levels of glycerol exposure may cause symptoms including nausea, headaches and vomiting. In more severe cases, children may experience shock, dangerously low blood sugar levels, and even a loss of consciousness. The FSA is urging parents and carers to be aware of the risks and to act quickly if a child shows signs of illness after drinking a slushie.
READ MORE: Man ignores ‘no sex’ advice after hair transplant and soon pays the price
In less serious cases, sugary foods or drinks should be given, and NHS 111 should be contacted for medical advice. However, if a child appears confused, drowsy, or unresponsive, parents are advised to call 999.
Parents are also being encouraged to ask vendors whether their slush drinks contain glycerol and to check for information on product labels or in-store signage. If it’s unclear whether glycerol is used, it is safest to avoid giving the drink to children, especially those under the age of seven.
The FSA has also extended its advice to include ready-to-drink slush pouches and slush kits used at home, as these products may also contain glycerol. Retailers have been asked to stop offering free refills of slush drinks to children under 10 and to limit the amount of glycerol used in the drinks to only what is necessary to create the desired slush texture.
The updated guidance has been issued ahead of the school summer holidays, when slush drinks are commonly consumed at leisure venues, outdoor events, and soft play centres across the UK.
Professor Robin May, the FSA’s chief scientific adviser, stressed the importance of the new recommendations, saying that while slush drinks might seem like a harmless treat, they can actually cause serious health issues for young children if consumed in large amounts too quickly.
Professor May said: “As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
“While these drinks may seem harmless and side-effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children.
“That’s why we’re recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged seven to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving.
“We’re working closely with industry to ensure appropriate warnings are in place wherever these drinks are sold, but in the meantime we are asking parents and carers to take extra care when buying drinks for young children, particularly during warmer months when consumption of ‘slushies’ typically increases.”
There have been nine confirmed cases of glycerol intoxication in young children requiring hospitalisation over the past three years in the UK, with seven additional potential cases reported in the media.
READ MORE: Dog food monthly subscription creates ‘tailored menu’ to meet each pups needs