British food authorities (FSA) are now advising that children under seven years old should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol due to potential health risks. This tightens previous recommendations that advised against consumption for children under four.

The FSA stated that while the side effects are generally mild, consuming large quantities of glycerol over a short period can pose a serious health risk to children. Glycerol, a sugar alternative, helps slush ice maintain its liquid form, but its ingestion can lead to low blood sugar and fainting.

In the past three years, there have been nine hospitalizations of children in British hospitals due to “glycerol poisoning.” Earlier this year, pediatricians warned about the consumption of slush ice among children after reviewing 21 medical reports where children became unwell after drinking it. The FSA also recommends that children between seven and ten years old should not drink more than 350 milliliters of slush ice per day, equivalent to a regular soda can. Sellers are asked to not offer free refills to children under ten.

Some slush ice products sold in Denmark contain “vegetable glycerol” on their ingredient lists. Nic-Denmark, owner of the brand Scoop, ceased production of their sugar-free slush ice concentrate three months ago due to concerns raised in England. While some stores may still sell the product, Scoop has contacted its wholesalers.

Despite concerns in the UK, Danish authorities have not encountered cases of glycerol poisoning. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and the Poison Line have also not seen any examples. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration stated that the same recommendations do not apply in Denmark, where glycerol can be used without quantity restrictions in slush ice. The EU Commission is currently investigating whether to introduce a limit for glycerol in slush ice.