The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) is now advising that children under seven years old should avoid consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol. This tightens previous recommendations that cautioned against consumption for children under four.

The FSA warns that while these drinks may appear harmless, they can pose a serious health risk to children, particularly when consumed in large quantities over a short period. Glycerol, a sugar alternative that keeps slush ice liquid, can lead to low blood sugar and fainting when consumed in excess.

Over the past three years, nine children have been hospitalized in Britain due to “glycerol poisoning.” In March, pediatricians raised concerns after reviewing 21 cases where children became ill shortly after drinking slush ice.

The FSA also advises that children aged seven to ten should limit their consumption to 350 milliliters of slush ice per day, equivalent to a regular soda can. Slush ice vendors are being asked to support these guidelines by not offering free refills to children under ten.

In Denmark, “vegetable glycerol” is listed on the ingredient labels of some slush ice products, including the brand Scoop. Despite this, Jonas Kjeldbjerg Hansen, Chief Physician in the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Aalborg University Hospital, reports that he has not encountered any cases of glycerol poisoning in Denmark during his 20 years of experience.

Ritzau is seeking clarification from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration regarding whether similar recommendations to those in Britain apply in Denmark.