Slush ice drinks or ‘slushies’ containing glycerol should not be given to children under seven in new guidance issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The guidance also advises that children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml ‘slushie’ drink per day – roughly the size of a fizzy drink can.
Operators are being asked to support this advice by limiting cup sizes, not offering free refills to children aged under 10 and displaying a written warning at point of sale that says: “Product contains glycerol. Should not be consumed by children under 7 years of age. Children aged 7-10 should have a maximum of one 350ml drink per day.”
Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. While glycerol is found in some other foods, it is added at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Studies have shown that when consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children.
Businesses are advised to only add glycerol at the minimum quantity necessary to achieve the slush effect.
The updated advice applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol as well as at home kits. Information on the glycerol content, or a contact for the manufacturer for further information, should be included on the label.
