Heatwave

The FSAI’s previous advice was not to give slushies to under-4s, but new European guidelines say it should also apply to older children.

SLUSHIES ARE NOT suitable for children under 10 years old, the Food Safety Authority has said, as temperatures soar to the high 20s.

The glycerol-containing ice drinks could cause side effects including headaches, nausea and vomiting, for this age group.

The FSAI’s previous advice was not to give slushies to under-4s, but it now includes older children, in line with new European guidelines.

Glycerol is an EU-approved additive that is used to keep the sugar content of drinks low. It is what gives iced drinks a slushy consistency. While it is not usually harmful, there are concerns about its effect on under-10s.

In rare cases, glycerol could potentially cause severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or loss of consciousness.

The FSAI has also updated its guidelines for the slushie industry, so they can only use a safe quantity of glycerol when making slush ice drink concentrates.

Manufacturers of prepackaged slushies and make-at-home syrup concentrates containing glycerol must carry a warning on the pack in keeping with the FSAI advice.

Retailers will now also have to put warning labels on shelves where they sell the products.

“Our advice to consumers is always based on the most up-to-date scientific data available,” said FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey.

“The recent risk assessment by EFSA has led to us reassessing our advice.”

Dempsey said even older children and adults should limit their consumption of drinks containing glycerol, as they’re not part of a health balanced diet.

For more information, see the FSAI’s advice for consumers.