Food Standards Agency warns children aged seven to ten should only consume one slush drink per day

Children aged seven to ten should only consume one small slush drink per day, new guidance has warned.

The Food Standards Agency has recently revised previous advice on the cooling drinks, which contain glycerol, which can be harmful to children.

Glycerol is often used as a sugar substitute in slush ice drinks to prevent them from freezing solid.

However, when consumed at high levels, the compound can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children.

Side effects such as headaches and sickness have also been reported.

In June, the FSA said slush drinks are “not suitable” for children under the age of seven, raising the age from four under previous guidance.

Scotland

Slush drinks ‘not suitable’ for children under seven as age raised from four

Health experts are concerned about the impact of glycerol intake in young children over the longer term after recent intoxication incidents.

The new age guidance takes a more “precautionary approach” than advice issued in 2023, which was based on average body weight.

Now the FSA has issued new advice for children over the age of seven as the UK experiences high temperatures.

Children aged between seven and ten should only consume one small slush drink a day, roughly the size of a 330ml can of fizzy drink.

Retailers have been urged not to offer free refills to children under ten, and manufacturers have been reminded to use the minimum amount of glycerol needed to achieve the frozen slushy effect in the drinks.

FSA chief scientific advisor, Professor Robin 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 ten 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.” 

The FSA said the most recent advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks containing glycerol in pouches, as well as home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates.

The watchdog says the updated guidance is based on the latest scientific evidence and is designed to help families make informed choices and keep children safe. 

The FSA added it will be monitoring the situation carefully and will take further action in the future if necessary. 

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. 