'Children under four should not be allowed to drink slushies'
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has found that children should not drink slushy-style drinks.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which protects public health concerning food in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have advised that children under the age of four should not be allowed to drink the famous slushy drink.
These regulators also advised retailers not to offer free refill promotions to children under 10.
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According to an official statement by the FSA, the new regulations update came after a risk assessment which found that exposure to glycerol could cause headaches and sickness in children under the age of four.
Glycerol, which is used as a sweetening agent, prevents the drink from freezing completely. It is a crucial ingredient which helps slushies keep their “slush” consistency.
Slushies are a type of drink made of flavoured ice particles that retain enough liquid to drink through a straw.
According to reports, the FSA and FSS are aware of two cases, one in 2021 and another in 2022, which saw children hospitalised due to glycerol intoxication.
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"It is likely that there is under-reporting of glycerol intoxication, as parents may attribute nausea and headaches to other factors,” said Adam Hardgrave, head of additives at the FSA.
"While the symptoms of glycerol intoxication are usually mild, it is important that parents are aware of the risks - particularly at high levels of consumption.”
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