"Agency issues caution: Avoid giving slushies to kids under seven years old"
In a recent development, Professor Robin May, a leading expert in the field, is working closely with industry to ensure proper warnings are in place regarding slush ice drinks containing glycerol. The concern arises from the health risks associated with glycerol intoxication syndrome, a condition identified in medical case reviews of children aged 2 to 6 who developed serious symptoms within an hour of consuming glycerol-containing slushies.
The key health risks associated with this syndrome include a severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), decrease in consciousness or loss of consciousness, and metabolic acidosis, an accumulation of acid in the blood which can be life-threatening. In severe cases, these symptoms have led to hospitalisation to manage critical effects.
To mitigate these risks, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and other authorities have issued strong warnings. Children under 7 years old are advised to avoid slushies containing glycerol entirely. For children aged 7 to 10, consumption should be limited to no more than one 350ml serving per day. These warnings apply to all forms of glycerol-containing slush products, including ready-to-drink pouches and home slush kits.
The reason glycerol is added to slushies is to prevent complete freezing, creating the "slush" texture without high sugar content. However, this additive can cause toxic effects in young children, especially when consumed in large amounts quickly.
Authorities are working with manufacturers and retailers to ensure proper labeling and limit availability, particularly during warmer seasons when slushie consumption increases. Parents and caregivers are urged to be cautious and heed these recommendations to prevent glycerol intoxication in young children.
If a child becomes drowsy or confused after consuming slush ice drinks, parents should call 999 immediately. If a child experiences headaches, nausea, or vomiting after consumption, the caregiver should immediately give them drinks or food containing sugar and call 111 for medical advice.
In such cases, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to ask sellers if drinks contain glycerol and to check labels or signs. Children aged 7 to 10 should still have no more than 350ml (roughly a fizzy drink can's worth) of slushies containing glycerol per day.
The warning comes ahead of an expected spike in the sale of slushies during the summer season. The Food Safety Watchdog has emphasised that slushies can pose serious health risks to young children, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time.
Professor Robin May, the FSA's chief scientific adviser, has stated that slush ice drinks containing glycerol can pose serious health risks to young children. The advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates.
Parents and caregivers are advised to continue asking sellers if drinks contain glycerol and to check labels or signs. The warning from the Food Safety Watchdog regarding slushies containing glycerol continues to apply. The warning applies to slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
- The potentially dangerous health-and-wellness effects of slushie consumption in children can extend beyond hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis, as glycerol intoxication syndrome may also lead to a decrease in consciousness or loss of consciousness, similar to what one might observe in a war-injured individual.
- In an attempt to promote health-and-wellness, proper nutrition, and safety, particularly during warmer seasons, the Food Safety Watchdog has issued strong warnings about the risks associated with slushies containing glycerol, advising children under 7 to abstain from these products entirely, while children aged 7 to 10 should consume no more than one 350ml serving per day.
