The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today advised parents, guardians, and caregivers to limit young children’s consumption of slush ice drinks containing glycerol due to potential side effects such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The FSAI specifically advises that children aged four and under should not consume these drinks, and that children aged between five and ten years should be limited to no more than one slush ice drink per day.

Glycerol, an EU-approved additive, is used to lower the sugar content and create the slushy effect in these drinks. While it is generally considered safe, the FSAI has raised concerns about its effects on young children when consumed in large quantities. Slush ice drinks are commonly sold through slush ice machines in various outlets and are also available pre-packaged in supermarkets and retail stores.

To address these concerns, the FSAI has developed voluntary guidelines for the industry. These guidelines recommend the following actions:

• Use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary in slush ice drinks.
• Ensure customers are aware of the FSAI’s advice regarding young children’s consumption of slush ice drinks.
• Display point-of-sale warnings stating, “This product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged 4 and under.”
• Avoid offering free refills of slush ice drinks to young children.

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, commented:

“The Department of Health’s Healthy Eating Guidelines place slush ice drinks on the top shelf of the healthy eating food pyramid, indicating they are not part of a healthy balanced diet and should only be consumed in moderation as a treat. While we do not want to cause undue worry, we advise that no child under 4 years of age should consume these drinks, and consumption should be limited to no more than one per day for children aged between five and ten years. High consumption of glycerol-containing slush ice drinks over a short period by young children could cause headaches, nausea, and vomiting. On rare occasions, it could lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and loss of consciousness.”

The FSAI has also brought this issue to the attention of the European Commission and other Member States. Any necessary changes to the current food additive legislation will need to be addressed at the European level.

For more information, please refer to the FSAI’s consumer advice.

In the European Union (EU), glycerol (E 422) is authorised as a food additive under Annex II of Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 on food additives. It is permitted for use at “quantum satis” in flavoured drinks, meaning it must be used according to good manufacturing practice and at levels not higher than necessary to achieve the intended technological purpose, ensuring that consumers are not misled.