Kids 10 and under shouldn’t consume popular summer beverage with this ingredient

Important information for parents, guardians and caregivers amid the current heatwave.

The FSAI has issued the updated advice in response to a new risk assessment published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

According to the Irish statutory body, if kids 10 and under consume slush ice drinks with glycerol, the potential side effects for them include "headaches, nausea and vomiting".

What is glycerol, and why is it in slush ice drinks?

Glycerol is an approved additive in the European Union, commonly used in food and drinks to improve texture.

In terms of slush ice drinks, it serves as a substitute or partial substitute for sugar, while also helping to maintain the slushy texture by preventing the liquid from freezing solid.

"Glycerol is recognised in the European Union as being safe for consumption by the general population when used in appropriate amounts," the FSAI notes.

"However, because children aged ten and under have a lower body weight, if they consume excess levels of glycerol, some children can possibly experience side effects, such as headaches, nausea and vomiting.

"At very high levels, it could potentially lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and loss of consciousness."

The FSAI has updated its voluntary guidelines, which require the industry selling such products to:

• use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary when making slush ice drinks
• ensure that their customers are aware of the FSAI’s advice for children aged ten and under in relation to slush ice drinks
• display permanent point-of-sale warnings stating: 'This product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged ten and under'.

How do I know if a slush ice drink contains glycerol?

Not all slush ice drinks contain glycerol, the FSAI notes. Some only contain sugar.

Pre-packaged slush ice drinks and make-at-home syrup concentrates containing glycerol will have an ingredients list that can be checked for the declaration of glycerol, or E 422 (the food code for glycerol).

These should carry a warning on the pack in keeping with the FSAI advice.

Slush ice drinks containing glycerol that are sold unpackaged in a retail setting - for example, from a slush ice machine - may not be labelled as containing glycerol. The FSAI, however, is advising the industry selling these to display permanent point-of-sale warnings.

If a customer is in any doubt regarding the glycerol content of a slush ice drink, ask the vendor selling the product.

What precautions should parents / guardians / caregivers take?

For children aged 10 and under, avoid slush ice drinks containing glycerol.

"After consuming slushed ice drinks, if your child experiences headaches, nausea or vomiting, or on the rare occasion, severe symptoms, such as shock or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately," the FSAI adds.

The use of slush ice machines by children in the home should also be carefully monitored.

Parents, guardians and carers are urged to check the ingredient declaration of all syrups used to make slush ices in the home for the presence of glycerol and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. 

For all other ages, slush ice drinks are not a healthy option for a balanced diet. So, irrespective of whether glycerol is present in them or not, monitor and limit the intake of slush ice drinks, especially in settings where free refills are available.

For more information, visit the FSAI's website.

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