Five facts about glycerol and slush ice drinks for parents

While slush ice drinks are widely available for consumers, Food Standards Scotland, along with the Food Standards Agency has recently issued new voluntary guidance to industry that they should not be sold to children four years of age and under. The advice applies to ready made slush drinks as well as kits bought to make them at home.

1. Is it safe for my child to drink slush ice drinks?

Those above the age of four are considered unlikely to suffer ill effects from drinking one slush drink. This is because the effects of glycerol are related to body weight.

2. What is FSS advising around children glycerol slush ice drinks?

To prevent young children being exposed to excessive amounts of glycerol, FSS is advising that:

• Slush ice drinks should not be sold to children four years of age and under.
• Free refill promotions should not be offered to under-10s

3. What are the symptoms of glycerol intoxication?

FSS and the FSA are aware of two cases in Scotland, in 2021 and 2022, where children were hospitalised because of glycerol intoxication from excessive consumption of slush ice drinks. 

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.  

4. What is Glycerol?

• Glycerol (E422) is a key ingredient used in the production of slush ice drinks, having the function of maintaining the slush properties, to prevent the liquid freezing solid.
• Although glycerol is generally of low toxicity, there are concerns about the effect on young children when large quantities are consumed over a short period of time.

5. How does FSS make sure food additives are safe?

Additives must be assessed for safety before they can be used in food. We also ensure that:

• the science on additives is strictly reviewed
• the law is strictly enforced
• action is taken where problems are found

We investigate any information that casts reasonable doubt on the safety of an additive.