Slushies can pose “serious health risks” to young children and should not be consumed by under-sevens, the food safety watchdog has warned.
The warning applies to slush ice drinks containing glycerol, which can cause shock, very low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness where there is a “very high” level of exposure.
This typically happens when a child consumes several slushies in a short space of time – a particular risk where free refills are on offer.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says children under seven should not drink slushies containing glycerol at all, while children aged seven to 10 should have no more than 350ml – roughly the amount of a fizzy drink can – a day.
The warning comes ahead of an expected spike in the sale of slushies during the summer season.
Parents and caregivers are advised to ask sellers if drinks contain glycerol and to check labels or signs – avoiding the product if they are not sure of what it contains.
The advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates.
If a child becomes unwell with headaches, nausea or vomiting soon after consuming slush ice drinks, the caregiver should immediately give them drinks or food containing sugar and call 111 for medical advice.
Parents should call 999 if a child becomes drowsy or confused.
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FSA chief scientific adviser Professor Robin May said: “As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
“While these drinks may seem harmless and side-effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children.
“We’re working closely with industry to ensure appropriate warnings are in place wherever these drinks are sold, but in the meantime we are asking parents and carers to take extra care when buying drinks for young children, particularly during warmer months when consumption of ‘slushies’ typically increases.”
