Food Safety Authority provides advice on slush ice drinks for young children

The Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI) says it is advising parents, guardians and caregivers to limit young children’s consumption of slush ice drinks that contain glycerol, due to potential side effects including headaches, nausea and vomiting.

It advises that children aged four and under should not consume glycerol-containing slush ice drinks and that consumption should be limited to no more than one per day for children aged between five and ten years of age.

The FSAI states that glycerol is an EU approved additive and is used to lower the sugar content of drinks.

Glycerol gives ice drinks a slushy effect and whilst it is generally not harmful, there are concerns about its effects on young children under ten years of age when consumed in large quantities.

Slush ice drinks are sold via slush ice machines in a variety of outlets and are also sold pre-packaged in supermarkets/retail stores. 

The FSAI has developed voluntary guidelines for the industry.

These guidelines require the industry 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 younger children in relation to slush ice drinks; display point-of-sale warnings stating “this product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged 4 and under”; and to avoid offering free refills of slush ice drinks to younger children. 

Commenting today, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, states that its advice is seeking to limit exposure by young children to glycerol and to raise awareness that high levels of consumption can potentially cause side effects. 

“The Department of Health’s Healthy Eating Guidelines has placed slush ice drinks on the top shelf of the healthy eating food pyramid, meaning that they are not part of a healthy balanced diet and should only be consumed in moderation as a treat.

“Whilst we do not want to cause parents, guardians or caregivers undue worry, we are advising that no child under 4 years of age should be consuming these slush ice drinks, and that consumption should be limited to no more than one per day for children aged between five and ten years of age.

“High consumption of glycerol containing slush ice drinks over a short period of time by young children could cause headaches, nausea and vomiting.

On rare occasions, it could potentially lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness.” 

The FSAI has raised this issue with the European Commission and other Member States. 

Any change to the current food additive legislation, that may be necessary, will have to carried out at European level.