The FSAI have warned parents, guardians and caregivers about the risks of giving children under the age of 10 glycerol-containing slush ice drinks . As temperatures soar across the country, potentially hitting 30C in parts , many people will be headed to the beach, or for some sun soaked strolls after work and school. And while an ice-pop or a slushie may seem like the ideal way to cool down, the food safety watchdog is warning against the latter for young kids – which could
cause headaches, nausea and vomiting if it contains glycerol. Glycerol gives ice drinks a slushy effect and whilst it is generally not harmful, there are concerns about its effects on children aged 10 years and under when used at high levels in slush ice drinks. Glycerol is an EU approved additive and is being used in the context of food reformulation to lower the sugar content of drinks. Slush ice drinks are sold via slush ice machines in a variety of outlets; as syrup concentrates
to be made-up at home; sold as pre-packaged drinks in supermarkets/retail stores and are also available to buy online. The FSAI has also updated its voluntary guidelines for the industry. These guidelines require the industry to only use a safe quantity of glycerol when making slush ice drink concentrates. Manufacturers of prepackaged slush ice drinks and make-at-home syrup concentrates containing glycerol should carry a warning on the pack in keeping with the FSAI advice. Retailers selling unpackaged slush ice drinks containing glycerol should display permanent
point-of-sale warnings stating: “this product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged ten and under”. Commenting today, Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, states that this updated advice is due to the conclusion of a new risk assessment by EFSA. He said: “Our advice to consumers is always based on the most up-to-date scientific data available. The recent risk assessment by EFSA has led to us reassessing our advice and we are now advising that all children aged 10 and under should not
be consuming these slush ice drinks that contain glycerol. “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. “For the rest of the population these slush drinks should therefore be limited and only consumed in moderation as a treat. Consumption of glycerol containing slush ice drinks by children aged 10 and under 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.” Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here .
FSAI, Ireland, parents, children under 10, glycerol, slush ice drinks, EFSA risk assessment, food safety