Summer isn’t summer without being nagged by my kids for slushies, those sugary, fluorescent-coloured ice drinks. Now you’re telling me these innocent tubs of joy aren’t all that they seem?
I’m afraid so. The Food Safety Authority Ireland issued advice this week for parents to limit young children’s consumption of slush-ice drinks that contain glycerol, due to potential side effects including headaches, nausea and vomiting.
My nine-year-old had halfheartedly argued that the strawberry flavour counted toward his five-a-day.
The FSAI states that glycerol is an EU-approved additive and is used to lower the sugar content of drinks. Glycerol gives ice drinks a slushy effect and, although it is generally not harmful, there are concerns about its effects on children under 10 when consumed in large quantities.
So, what effects are we talking about here: excess energy? Crankiness?
High consumption of glycerol-containing slush-ice drinks over a short period by young children could cause headaches, nausea and vomiting. The FSAI says that, on rare occasions, it could potentially lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness.
[ Parents advised not to give slushies to children aged under fourOpens in new window ]
Tell me more about glycerol
It has the function of maintaining the slush properties to prevent the liquid freezing solid. In the European Union, glycerol – sometimes referred to as E 422 – is authorised as a food additive. It is permitted for use at “quantum satis” in flavour drinks. This means no maximum numerical level is specified and substances must be used in accordance with “good manufacturing practice” at a level not higher than necessary to achieve the intended technological purpose.
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Are there any rules around how much glycerol can be pumped into these drinks?
The FSAI says it has developed voluntary guidelines for the industry that require it to use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary when making slush ice drinks, display point-of-sale age-related warnings and avoid offering free refills of such drinks to younger children.
So how much, if any, should kids be allowed to slurp?
The FSAI advises that children aged four and under should not consume glycerol-containing slush-ice drinks. This is because the effects of glycerol are related to body weight. As for children aged five to 10, consumption should be limited to no more than one per day.
My life would be a lot easier if a total ban was on the cards. Is this likely?
The official advice remains that they should only be consumed in moderation as a treat. The FSAI says any change to food additive legislation that may be necessary will have to carried out at European level.
