FSA issues warning slush drinks 'not suitable' for children under seven as age raised from four

Parents have been warned that slush drinks are “not suitable” for children under the age of seven, raising the age from four under previous guidance.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued fresh advice on slush ice drinks containing glycerol as the weather warms up.

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

Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid.

The FSA’s risk assessment studied the impact of one serving of a slush ice drink on children with a lower-than-average body weight for their age.

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

Businesses have been advised to only add glycerol at the minimum quantity technically necessary to achieve the slush effect. 

While glycerol is found in some other foods, it is added at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks.

Consumed at high levels, it can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children.

The drinks can also cause side effects such as headaches and sickness, particularly when consumed in excess.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) say they have been working with partners at FSA on the guidance.

Professor Susan Jebb, FSA chair, said: “In the warm weather, children may be more likely to consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol, so it’s important that parents and carers are aware of the risks.

“As a precaution, the FSA is recommending that children under seven do not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol.

“With our counterparts in Scotland, we will be talking to parent groups and charities to provide updated guidance that is useful and applicable across the UK.

“We expect industry to share data on the quantity of glycerol in their products to inform our future work.

“Meanwhile, there are immediate actions they can take that can help protect children and reduce the risk from these products.

“For example, retailers should limit cup sizes and should not offer free refill promotions to children under ten.”

The updated advice applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates.

The FSA urged that the guidance should be “clearly communicated to parents and carers and directed officials to develop a greatly enhanced voluntary approach”.

Information on the glycerol content, or a contact for the manufacturer for further information should be included on the label.