Latest news with #glycerol
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.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 foods that have glycerol in, as under-7s warned against slushies
Slushies containing the additive glycerol should not be given to children under the age of seven, as they can make them very ill, the Food Standards Agency has warned. The flavoured drinks, which are made of syrup and crushed ice, should also be limited to no more than 350ml a day – roughly the size of a fizzy drink can – for children aged seven to 10. This is because "very high" levels of exposure to glycerol – which can happen when a child drinks several slushies in a short space of time – can cause shock, very low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness, the watchdog said. FSA chief scientific adviser Professor Robin May, warned that while children are more likely to opt for these drinks during heatwaves and hot weather, they come with risks. "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol," he 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." He added that the FSA was working closely with places where the drinks are sold to ensure warnings are in place. If your child becomes unwell with nausea or headaches after drinking slushies, give them food or drink containing sugar and call 111 for medical advice. If they become drowsy or confused, call 999. Here, we take a look at what glycerol is, its potential side-effects, and the other foods that contain it. What is glycerol and is it safe? Glycerol is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute that helps preserve and sweeten food, among other things. It is also found in the intestines, attracting water to the gut, softening stools and relieving the symptoms of constipation. In small levels, glycerol is safe – and it is an extremely common food additive. However, it can cause side-effects such as headaches, nausea, bloating, dizziness and diarrhoea. On the skin, it might also cause redness and itching (it is found in certain skincare products and soaps). In younger children, it has been found to lead to glycerol intoxication syndrome. Previous studies have examined the cases of 21 two- to seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland, who required emergency care after drinking slushies. Most of the children within the research lost consciousness and needed brain scans, and one child experienced a seizure. It also impacted their blood sugar levels and there were traces of high acidity in their blood. While all the children were discharged from hospital and later made a full recovery, parents are now being told to avoid giving young children glycerol-filled slushies. Eight other foods that have glycerol in them While all of these foods are safe to eat, it's good to be aware where else you may find glycerol. Tortilla wraps Most wraps from the supermarket contain small quantities of glycerol, which helps sweeten the bread product and acts as a preservative. Chewing gum Gum formulas also include find powder lecithin (a naturally occurring emulsifier) and glycerol triacetate, which although do not add to the flavour in any way, help stabilise the gum – meaning it softens after the initial bite and helps the gum blend in the mouth. Icing Typically found in royal icing, glycerol – or glycerine, as it is sometimes referred to commercially – adds shine to the cake decoration and prevents it from getting hard when it sets. Cereal bars Again, the levels of glycerol in cereal bars is low – but it is commonly found in most breakfast or granola bars. It acts as a preservative in this instance. Condiments Some sauces, salad dressing, jams and preserves contain glycerol. It adds sweetness to the mixture and ensures they don't dry out. It can also improve the texture of the condiment. Spices Glycerol or glycerin is not naturally found in spices, but in some instances is added as a sweetener and humectant, to prevent them from drying out too much. Ice cream To prevent ice crystals forming in ice cream, small levels of glycerin is used to stabilise the mixture. Canned foods Mostly utilised in canned foods for its humectant qualities, glycerin also acts as a preservative, flavouring and colouring in canned foods. Additional reporting by PA. Read more about food and nutrition Five foods and drinks that can make you feel sad (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Eight ways you can manage your child's weight as obesity rates soar in the UK (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Seven surprising health benefits of drinking coffee daily (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read)
The Guardian
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Children under seven should not drink slushies containing glycerol, says regulator
Children under seven should not drink slushies containing glycerol due to the serious health risks they can cause, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said. Glycerol is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute that helps slushies maintain their texture by preventing liquid from freezing solid. Children who become ill as a result of drinking slushies develop glycerol intoxication syndrome, which causes symptoms such as decreased consciousness and low blood sugar. Other symptoms include lactic acidosis, which occurs when the body produces too much lactic acid, and hypokalaemia, or low potassium. Previously, the FSA, the food safety body for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has advised that children under four should not have slush ice drinks containing glycerol, and that consumption should be limited to no more than one slush a day for children aged between five and 10 years. The FSA has revised its guidance before an expected seasonal spike in slush ice drink sales at children's indoor play areas, leisure facilities and outdoor events over the summer holidays. This latest advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. There have been nine confirmed cases of glycerol intoxication in young children who were admitted to hospital in the UK over the past three years. In March, paediatricians warned that children under eight should not drink slushies which contain glycerol, after a review of the medical notes of 21 children who became acutely unwell shortly after drinking one. Prof Robin May, the chief scientific adviser at the FSA, 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 seven 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.'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Under-sevens should not drink ‘slushies', food safety watchdog warns
Children under the age of seven should not drink slush ice drinks or 'slushies' containing glycerol because they can pose a serious health risk, the food safety watchdog has warned. The popular summer treat should also be limited to no more than 350ml – roughly the amount of a fizzy drink can – a day for children aged seven to 10, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said. 'Very high' levels of exposure to glycerol – which typically occurs when a child consumes several slushies in a short space of time – can cause shock, very low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness, the watchdog said. It advised parents and caregivers to ask sellers if drinks contain glycerol and review product labels or signage at the point of sale. The FSA said consumers should avoid products if they are unsure about ingredients and seek medical advice if a child develops symptoms. 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. Urgent medical attention should be sought by calling 999 if a child becomes drowsy or confused. The advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. The FSA has asked retailers to support its advice by not offering free refills to children aged under 10. It has also reminded manufacturers of slush ice drink concentrates to use only the minimum amount of glycerol necessary to achieve the frozen effect. The FSA issued the revised guidance ahead of an expected seasonal spike in slush ice drink sales at children's indoor play areas, leisure facilities and outdoor events over the summer holidays. 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. 'That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged seven 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.' There have been nine confirmed cases of glycerol intoxication in young children requiring hospitalisation over the past three years in the UK, with seven additional potential cases reported in the media.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Summer holiday warning as children told not to drink popular ice drink
Children under the age of seven should not consume slush ice drinks, commonly known as "slushies", if they contain glycerol, due to the serious health risks they pose, the food safety watchdog has warned. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated that "very high" exposure to glycerol, typically occurring when a child consumes several slushies in a short period, can lead to shock, dangerously low blood sugar levels, and even loss of consciousness. For children aged seven to 10, the popular summer treat should be limited to a maximum of 350ml per day – roughly the size of a standard fizzy drink can. Parents and caregivers are advised to inquire with sellers about glycerol content and to check product labels or signage at the point of sale. The FSA said consumers should avoid products if they are unsure about ingredients and seek medical advice if a child develops symptoms. 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. Urgent medical attention should be sought by calling 999 if a child becomes drowsy or confused. The advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. The FSA has asked retailers to support its advice by not offering free refills to children aged under 10. It has also reminded manufacturers of slush ice drink concentrates to use only the minimum amount of glycerol necessary to achieve the frozen effect. The FSA issued the revised guidance ahead of an expected seasonal spike in slush ice drink sales at children's indoor play areas, leisure facilities and outdoor events over the summer holidays. 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. 'That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged seven 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.' There have been nine confirmed cases of glycerol intoxication in young children requiring hospitalisation over the past three years in the UK, with seven additional potential cases reported in the media.
