Food Safety Authority issues warning over ‘slushies’
The Food Safety Authority Ireland has advised that children aged four and under should not consume glycerol-containing slushies. Image for illustration purposes only
People across Kildare have been warned that headaches, nausea and vomiting are among the potential side effects slush ice drinks – slushies – containing glycerol can have on children.
The Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI) has advised that children aged four and under should not consume glycerol-containing slushies and that consumption should be limited to no more than one per day for children aged between five and ten years of age.
According to the FSAI, glycerol is an EU approved additive and is used to lower the sugar content of drinks. Glycerol gives ice drinks a slushy effect and while 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; 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 slushies to younger children.
“High consumption of glycerol containing slush ice drinks over a short period of time by young children could cause headaches, nausea and vomiting,” said FSAI Chief Executive Dr Pamela Byrne. “On rare occasions, it could potentially lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness.”
