Parents told to keep young children away from slush drinks
Parents are being urged to keep children under seven away from slush drinks containing glycerol, following a fresh warning from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The regulator said slushies with the additive can cause serious health issues in young children, including low blood sugar, decreased consciousness and other complications linked to glycerol intoxication.
New guidance now advises:
Children under 7 should not consume slushies containing glycerol at all.
Children aged 7–10 should be limited to one 350ml drink per day.
The FSA updated the warning ahead of the school holidays, when sales typically rise. The guidance also applies to slush pouches and home kits using glycerol concentrates.
There have been nine confirmed UK hospital cases in the past three years, with some children becoming acutely unwell.
