The new warning from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) about slush ice drinks or slushies containing glycerol said that they are unsafe for children under the age of seven and should be limited for children aged seven to 10.
Children aged between seven and 10 should consume no more than one 350ml slushie drink per day, the FSA has advised.
Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid.
As part of the public awareness campaign, which launched on 17 July, retailers have been asked to support this advice by not offering free refills to children aged under 10. Meanwhile, slush ice drink concentrate manufacturers have been reminded to use only the minimum amount of glycerol necessary to achieve the frozen effect.
The FSA said the revised guidance was announced to coincide with the seasonal spike in slush ice drink sales at children’s indoor play areas, leisure facilities and outdoor events.
“As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol,” said FSA chief scientific advisor Professor Robin May.
“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 7 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.”
At very high levels of exposure, such as when several servings of slushie drinks are consumed by a child in a short space of time, glycerol can cause shock, low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness.
Parents and carers have been urged to ask sellers whether drinks contain glycerol and review product labels or signage at point of sale, while the FSA has advised consumers to avoid products if they’re unsure about ingredients and seek medical advice if a child develops symptoms.
This advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates.
The updated guidance is based on the latest scientific evidence, with the situation set to be monitored carefully moving forward.
If a child becomes unwell with headaches, nausea or vomiting soon after consuming slush ice drinks, you should immediately give them drinks or food containing sugar and call 111 for medical advice. If a child becomes drowsy or confused, you should call 999 for urgent medical attention.
