Paediatricians have warned that children under eight should avoid drinking slushies containing glycerol, following a review of medical notes from 21 cases where young children became severely ill after consuming the drink. The study found that the children developed symptoms such as low blood sugar and decreased consciousness due to glycerol intoxication syndrome.
Glycerol is a naturally occurring substance in some slushies, used to maintain their texture. However, it can cause serious health problems in young children. While the Food Standards Agency advises against children under four consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol, the review team suggests that even older children may be at risk.
The study’s findings have led to calls for revised public health advice on the safety of these drinks. The researchers emphasize that there is poor transparency around the concentration of glycerol in these drinks, making it difficult to estimate a safe dose.
To ensure safer recommendations, the team suggests that guidelines should be based on weight rather than age, or an age threshold of eight years old to account for normal population variation in weight.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/12/under-eights-should-not-drink-slushies-containing-glycerol-say-doctors