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The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
New warning over popular kids' slushie drinks after ‘danger age' revealed and girl left '20 minutes from death'
PARENTS have been warned about the dangers of giving slushies to their children after one toddler nearly died and several others were rushed to hospital. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) gave updated guidance on safety levels that could prevent further harm. 7 Slushy drinks could be dangerous to children under the age of seven Credit: Getty 7 Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol, a sugar substitute Credit: Getty The brightly coloured slushies are a popular summer treat, often sold at cinemas, corner shops and theme parks when it is hot. But the frozen drinks often contain glycerol, also called E422 or glycerine on some label, as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. The FSA say kids under seven should not be given the sweet icy drinks, which may contain high levels of a syrup that can be harmful to young children. It also warned that children aged between seven and ten should not have more than one 350ml slush drink a day. That is the same size as a can of Coca-Cola. Read more on slushies According to the FSA, just one 350ml drink with the highest levels of glycerol could be problematic for a four-year-old. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol," Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor at the FSA, said. "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." Most read in Health The new warning comes amid One two-year-old girl was left '20 minutes from death' after having a slushy drink at her friend's birthday party, according to her grandmother. Urgent warning over popular drink after toddler collapses in front of terrified mum In March, doctors also blamed slushies for a spate of 21 hospitalisations in children who needed medical care within an hour of consuming the drinks. Prof Robin added: "That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving." Glycerol, also called E422 or glycerine on some label, prevents slushies from freezing solid. The sugar substitute is also found in some other foods, like protein bars and sugar-free chewing gum, but at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome. Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School in Birmingham, previously told Sun Health why kids are more at risk of drinking dangerous amounts. 7 Arla Agnew was rushed to hospital with hypoglycemia after drinking a slushie Credit: Supplied 7 Ted (front) and Austin Wallis (back) had glycerol intoxication syndrome after drinking slushies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media "If too much glycerol is consumed too quickly and in too large a volume, it can potentially change the blood concentration," Dr Mellor said. "This can then affect the amount of fluid around the brain, leading to symptoms including confusion, dizziness, nausea and even, on occasion, loss of consciousness." Pharmacist "In the case of slush-ice drinks, the dangers are typically associated with very high levels of exposure and may lead to glycerol intoxication, which could cause hypoglycaemia, shock and loss of consciousness. "The Food Standards Agency state that there are concerns about its acute effects on young children when consumed in large amounts over a short period, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms listed above. "Whilst symptoms are usually mild, young children may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol." And Signs of glycerol intoxication syndrome CHILDREN below the age of 10 may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol. At very high levels of exposure – typically when several of these products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication could cause shock, hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness. Typical early warning signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. In very severe cases, a person experiencing hypoglycaemia can lose consciousness. Source: Food Standards Agency/NHS Slushies were traditionally made with a sugar solution to prevent the liquid from fully freezing, typically using around 12g of sugar per 100ml. But modern recipes often use glycerol, which allows the same slushy texture with just 5g of sugar per 100ml. Food safety authorities have previously warned that just one 350ml drink containing about 17.5g of glycerol, roughly three teaspoons, could theoretically push children under four over the safe threshold for glycerol consumption. Experts also warn that older children may be at risk of glycerol intoxication if they consume multiple slushies in a short space of time. According to the FSA most slushies contain around 16g of glycerol, although there is no legal maximum limit, and brands are not required to list the amount on labels. Some companies, including Slush Puppie, have already removed glycerol from their recipes in response to growing safety concerns. Parents are advised to check product labels or signage at the point of sale and ask retailers whether the drinks contain glycerol, according to the FSA. 7 Marnie was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously low (Credit: Kennedy News) 'Absolute fear' Arla Agnew, two, was left falling in and out of consciousness after enjoying the popular frozen treat at a neighbour's birthday party. Arla's gran, Stacey, 39, told "The doctor said to us if we had been another 20 minutes it could have been so different. We were absolutely devastated," the gran added. Meanwhile, mum Roxy Wallis, 36, said her two sons "My middle child felt sick, dizzy, and incredibly pale. By the time we reached the ticket machine, he had vomited everywhere. "At this point, my oldest son looked pale and felt sick but wasn't as bad - he was a bit bigger than his brother.' Abbas shared advice for parents in the event that their child suffers a reaction after drinking a slushy. "If you suspect intoxication from a slushie drink and your child is experiencing any symptoms, even if they are mild, seek immediate medical attention. "This is important so that your child can be assessed and any serious reactions can be ruled out." 7 Arla was rushed to hospital hours later 7 Kim Moore faced every parent's worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie (middle) consumed ma slushie (Credit: Kennedy News) 'It was awful' Kim Moore faced every parent's worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie, then four, suddenly went "pale and unresponsive" at a children's party. The 35-year-old had bought her and older sister Orla, six, a refillable slushy but 10 minutes later Marnie fell unconscious. Desperate Kim failed to shake her daughter awake so she rushed to Burnley General Teaching Hospital in Burnley, Lancashire, where doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. The terrified mum-of-two feared the worst and rushed her to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, where she remained for the next three days. Kim said: "I was in absolute fear. If I hadn't taken her to hospital, it may have had a different outcome. "So many places promote free slushies when you play there but you're promoting poison." She added: "I don't think they should be sold to kids 12 and under in all honesty. I wouldn't wish what we went through on our worst enemy. It was awful."


Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over slushie drinks – as age it becomes ‘unsafe for children' revealed after girl left ‘minutes from death'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PARENTS have been warned about the dangers of giving slushies to their children after one toddler nearly died and several others were rushed to hospital. Food safety watchdogs say kids under seven should avoid the icy drinks, which may contain high levels of a syrup that can be harmful to young children. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Slushy drinks could be dangerous to children under the age of seven Credit: Getty 7 Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol, a sugar substitute Credit: Getty The brightly coloured slushies are a popular summer treat, often sold at cinemas, corner shops and theme parks when it is hot. But the frozen drinks often contain glycerol, a sugar substitute that gives slushies their signature semi-frozen texture. In updated guidance, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also warned that children aged between seven and ten should not have more than one 350ml slush drink a day. That is the same size as a can of Coca-Cola. "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol," Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor at the FSA, said. "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." The new warning comes amid a surge in horrifying reports of children collapsing after consuming the drinks. One two-year-old girl was left '20 minutes from death' after having a slushy drink at her friend's birthday party, according to her grandmother. In March, doctors also blamed slushies for a spate of 21 hospitalisations in children who needed medical care within an hour of consuming the drinks. Prof Robin added: "That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving." Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol, also called E422 or glycerine on some label, as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. Urgent warning over popular drink after toddler collapses in front of terrified mum The sugar substitute is also found in some other foods, like protein bars and sugar free chewing gum, but at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome. Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School in Birmingham, previously told Sun Health why children - who are smaller than adults - are more at risk of drinking dangerous amounts. "If too much glycerol is consumed too quickly and in too large a volume, it can potentially change the blood concentration," Dr Mellor said. "This can then affect the amount of fluid around the brain, leading to symptoms including confusion, dizziness, nausea and even, on occasion, loss of consciousness." Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, told Sun Health: "Glycerol may cause side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. 7 Arla Agnew was rushed to hospital with hypoglycemia after drinking a slushie Credit: Supplied 7 Ted (front) and Austin Wallis (back) had glycerol intoxication syndrome after drinking slushies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media "In the case of slush-ice drinks, the dangers are typically associated with very high levels of exposure and may lead to glycerol intoxication, which could cause hypoglycaemia, shock and loss of consciousness. "The Food Standards Agency state that there are concerns about its acute effects on young children when consumed in large amounts over a short period, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms listed above. "Whilst symptoms are usually mild, young children may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol." And Dr Arindam Das, Doctify-rated Consultant Paediatrician, warned in hot weather, kids may drink slushies quickly to cool down, which increases the risk of slushie headaches, glycerol poisoning and dehydration if slushies replace water. According to the FSA, just one 350ml drink with the highest levels of glycerol could potentially cause a problem for a four-year-old. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. Signs of glycerol intoxication syndrome CHILDREN below the age of 10 may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol. At very high levels of exposure – typically when several of these products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication could cause shock, hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness. Typical early warning signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. In very severe cases, a person experiencing hypoglycaemia can lose consciousness. Source: Food Standards Agency/NHS Slushies were traditionally made with a sugar solution to prevent the liquid from fully freezing, typically using around 12g of sugar per 100ml. But modern recipes often use glycerol (E422), which allows the same slushy texture with just 5g of sugar per 100ml. Food safety authorities have previously warned that just one 350ml drink containing about 17.5g of glycerol, roughly three teaspoons, could theoretically push children under four over the safe threshold for glycerol consumption. Experts also warn that older children may be at risk of glycerol intoxication if they consume multiple slushies in a short space of time. According to the FSA most slushies contain around 16g of glycerol, although there is no legal maximum limit, and brands are not required to list the amount on labels. Some companies, including Slush Puppie, have already removed glycerol from their recipes in response to growing safety concerns. Parents are advised to check product labels or signage at the point of sale and ask retailers whether the drinks contain glycerol, according to the FSA. 7 Marnie was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously low (Credit: Kennedy News) 'Absolute fear' Arla Agnew, two, was left falling in and out of consciousness after enjoying the popular frozen treat at a neighbour's birthday party. Arla's gran, Stacey, 39, told The Scottish Sun that they youngster became "limp and lifeless" in the hours after consuming the drink and was rushed to hospital, where it was found her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. "The doctor said to us if we had been another 20 minutes it could have been so different. We were absolutely devastated," the gran added. Meanwhile, mum Roxy Wallis, 36, said her two sons fell violently ill minutes after drinking slushies. "My middle child felt sick, dizzy, and incredibly pale. By the time we reached the ticket machine, he had vomited everywhere. "At this point, my oldest son looked pale and felt sick but wasn't as bad - he was a bit bigger than his brother.' Abbas shared advice for parents in the event that their child suffers a reaction after drinking a slushy. "If you suspect intoxication from a slushie drink and your child is experiencing any symptoms, even if they are mild, seek immediate medical attention. "This is important so that your child can be assessed and any serious reactions can be ruled out." 7 Arla was rushed to hospital hours later 7 Kim Moore faced every parent's worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie (middle) consumed ma slushie (Credit: Kennedy News) 'It was awful' Kim Moore faced every parent's worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie, then four, suddenly went "pale and unresponsive" at a children's party. The 35-year-old had bought her and older sister Orla, six, a refillable slushy but 10 minutes later Marnie fell unconscious. Desperate Kim failed to shake her daughter awake so she rushed to Burnley General Teaching Hospital in Burnley, Lancashire, where doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. The terrified mum-of-two feared the worst and rushed her to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, where she remained for the next three days. Kim said: "I was in absolute fear. If I hadn't taken her to hospital, it may have had a different outcome. "So many places promote free slushies when you play there but you're promoting poison." She added: "I don't think they should be sold to kids 12 and under in all honesty. I wouldn't wish what we went through on our worst enemy. It was awful."


The Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning over slushie drinks – as age it becomes ‘unsafe for children' revealed after girl left ‘minutes from death'
PARENTS have been warned about the dangers of giving slushies to their children after one toddler nearly died and several others were rushed to hospital. Food safety watchdogs say kids under seven should avoid the icy drinks, which may contain high levels of a syrup that can be harmful to young children. 7 7 The brightly coloured slushies are a popular summer treat, often sold at cinemas, corner shops and theme parks when it is hot. But the frozen drinks often contain glycerol, a sugar substitute that gives slushies their signature semi-frozen texture. In updated guidance, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also warned that children aged between seven and ten should not have more than one 350ml slush drink a day. That is the same size as a can of Coca-Cola. "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol," Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor at the FSA, said. "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." The new warning comes amid a surge in horrifying reports of children collapsing after consuming the drinks. One two-year-old girl was left '20 minutes from death' after having a slushy drink at her friend's birthday party, according to her grandmother. In March, doctors also blamed slushies for a spate of 21 hospitalisations in children who needed medical care within an hour of consuming the drinks. Prof Robin added: "That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving." Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol, also called E422 or glycerine on some label, as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. Urgent warning over popular drink after toddler collapses in front of terrified mum The sugar substitute is also found in some other foods, like protein bars and sugar free chewing gum, but at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome. Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School in Birmingham, previously told Sun Health why children - who are smaller than adults - are more at risk of drinking dangerous amounts. "If too much glycerol is consumed too quickly and in too large a volume, it can potentially change the blood concentration," Dr Mellor said. "This can then affect the amount of fluid around the brain, leading to symptoms including confusion, dizziness, nausea and even, on occasion, loss of consciousness." Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, told Sun Health: "Glycerol may cause side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. 7 "In the case of slush-ice drinks, the dangers are typically associated with very high levels of exposure and may lead to glycerol intoxication, which could cause hypoglycaemia, shock and loss of consciousness. "The Food Standards Agency state that there are concerns about its acute effects on young children when consumed in large amounts over a short period, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms listed above. "Whilst symptoms are usually mild, young children may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol." And Dr Arindam Das, Doctify-rated Consultant Paediatrician, warned in hot weather, kids may drink slushies quickly to cool down, which increases the risk of slushie headaches, glycerol poisoning and dehydration if slushies replace water. According to the FSA, just one 350ml drink with the highest levels of glycerol could potentially cause a problem for a four-year-old. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. Signs of glycerol intoxication syndrome CHILDREN below the age of 10 may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol. At very high levels of exposure – typically when several of these products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication could cause shock, hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness. Typical early warning signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. In very severe cases, a person experiencing hypoglycaemia can lose consciousness. Source: Food Standards Agency/ NHS Slushies were traditionally made with a sugar solution to prevent the liquid from fully freezing, typically using around 12g of sugar per 100ml. But modern recipes often use glycerol (E422), which allows the same slushy texture with just 5g of sugar per 100ml. Food safety authorities have previously warned that just one 350ml drink containing about 17.5g of glycerol, roughly three teaspoons, could theoretically push children under four over the safe threshold for glycerol consumption. Experts also warn that older children may be at risk of glycerol intoxication if they consume multiple slushies in a short space of time. According to the FSA most slushies contain around 16g of glycerol, although there is no legal maximum limit, and brands are not required to list the amount on labels. Some companies, including Slush Puppie, have already removed glycerol from their recipes in response to growing safety concerns. Parents are advised to check product labels or signage at the point of sale and ask retailers whether the drinks contain glycerol, according to the FSA. 'Absolute fear' Arla Agnew, two, was left falling in and out of consciousness after enjoying the popular frozen treat at a neighbour's birthday party. Arla's gran, Stacey, 39, told The Scottish Sun that they youngster became "limp and lifeless" in the hours after consuming the drink and was rushed to hospital, where it was found her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. "The doctor said to us if we had been another 20 minutes it could have been so different. We were absolutely devastated," the gran added. Meanwhile, mum Roxy Wallis, 36, said her two sons fell violently ill minutes after drinking slushies. "My middle child felt sick, dizzy, and incredibly pale. By the time we reached the ticket machine, he had vomited everywhere. "At this point, my oldest son looked pale and felt sick but wasn't as bad - he was a bit bigger than his brother.' Abbas shared advice for parents in the event that their child suffers a reaction after drinking a slushy. "If you suspect intoxication from a slushie drink and your child is experiencing any symptoms, even if they are mild, seek immediate medical attention. "This is important so that your child can be assessed and any serious reactions can be ruled out." 7 7 'It was awful' Kim Moore faced every parent's worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie, then four, suddenly went "pale and unresponsive" at a children's party. The 35-year-old had bought her and older sister Orla, six, a refillable slushy but 10 minutes later Marnie fell unconscious. Desperate Kim failed to shake her daughter awake so she rushed to Burnley General Teaching Hospital in Burnley, Lancashire, where doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. The terrified mum-of-two feared the worst and rushed her to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, where she remained for the next three days. Kim said: "I was in absolute fear. If I hadn't taken her to hospital, it may have had a different outcome. "So many places promote free slushies when you play there but you're promoting poison." She added: "I don't think they should be sold to kids 12 and under in all honesty. I wouldn't wish what we went through on our worst enemy. It was awful."


Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Retailers warned not to offer refills of popular summer drink to children under 10
A food watchdog has issued updated guidance as the weather gets warmer. Parents are being warned over the dangers of children drinking 'slushies'. The popular frozen summer drink is a staple at this time of year, but may be "unsafe" for some. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued updated advice that children aged seven to 10 should not be allowed to drink more than one per day that measures 350ml, roughly the size of a fizzy drink can. This is because the drinks contain an ingredient called glycerol, a colourless, odourless sweet-tasting liquid that is used to help create that 'slush effect' without causing the drink to freeze. With a spike in temperatures recently, and possibly an increased in consumption of the drink, the food watchdog has issued revised guidance and asked retailers not to offer free refills to children under the age of 10. High levels of exposure to glycerol, typically when consumed by children in a short space of time, can cause shock, very low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness. Parents are also being urged to ask sellers whether drinks contain glycerol and to review product labels or signage at point of sale. The guidance also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. According to the food safety watchdog, its latest guidance on the summer drink is based on the latest scientific evidence and has been designed to help families make informed choices to keep children safe. Parents have also been advised to avoid products if they are unsure about the ingredients and to seek medical advice if children develop symptoms. These can include headaches, nausea or vomiting soon after consuming slush ice drinks. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. If a child develops any of these symptoms, they should immediately be given food and drinks containing sugar, while parents should call 111 for medical advice. However, if they become drowsy or confused, then it has been advised to contact 111 immediately. FSA Chief Scientific Advisor, 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. "That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving. "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."


BBC News
17-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Slushies unsafe for children under seven, food watchdog warns
Children under seven years old should not have shop-bought slushies over health concerns about a chemical they contain, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has government watchdog said slushed ice drinks containing glycerol - a type of sweetener - were unsafe for young children, and consumption of them should be limited for children aged between seven and slushies contain naturally occurring glycerol instead of sugar to stop them freezing solid, giving them the slushy FSA said consuming large amounts of it can cause side-effects, including headaches and sickness, low blood sugar levels, shock, and loss of consciousness in children. Prof Robin May, the FSA's chief scientific advisor, said: "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."The fresh FSA guidance comes following research indicating children under eight should completely avoid drinking studied the cases of 21 two- to seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland who needed A&E treatment after becoming acutely ill within an hour of having the drinks, mostly between 2018 and children all recovered and were discharged from Duane Mellor from the British Dietetic Association told the BBC that it was "relatively rare" for children to suffer ill side-effects after drinking slushies containing registered dietician said the "heat of the day", dehydration and a child being excited could "exacerbate" symptoms linked to consuming the recommended that children have water or cold milk as alternatives to slushies - or if they want a sweet drink, fruit flavoured water with ice cubes, a diet drink or a low-sugar ice FSA's updated guidance is stricter than its previous advice, which said that under-fives should avoid now also says children aged seven to 10 should have no more than one 350ml slushy drink - "roughly the size of a fizzy drink can" - a day."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," said Prof guidance also applies to ready-to-drink slushy pouches and make-at-home kits of slushy FSA says its guidance should be on a "written warning at [the] point of sale" and that producers should make the drinks with the "minimum quantity" of glycerol "technically necessary to achieve the required 'slush' drink effect".It also recommends against vendors offering free slushy refills in venues where children under the age of 10 would likely consume them.