What is glycerol and why is it in slush ice drinks?
Glycerol (E 422) is an approved additive in the European Union commonly used in food and drinks to improve texture. It is used in slush ice drinks as a substitute or partial substitute for sugar. It helps maintain the slushy texture by preventing the liquid from freezing solid.
Is glycerol safe to consume?
Yes, glycerol is recognised in the European Union as being safe for consumption by the general population when used in appropriate amounts. However, because children aged ten and under have a lower body weight, if they consume excess levels of glycerol some children can possibly experience side effects, such as headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Why should children aged ten and under avoid slush ice drinks containing glycerol?
In response to a new risk assessment published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)*, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has updated its advice and now recommends that children aged ten years and under should not consume slush ice drinks due to potential side effects such as headaches, nausea and vomiting. The Department of Health’s Healthy Eating Guidelines has placed slush ice drinks on the top shelf of the healthy eating food pyramid, meaning that they are not part of a healthy balanced diet and should only be chosen to be consumed in moderation as a treat.
Are slush ice drinks okay to consume by anyone aged over 10?
The Department of Health’s Healthy Eating Guidelines has placed slush ice drinks on the top shelf of the healthy eating food pyramid, meaning that they are not part of a healthy balanced diet and should only ever be chosen to be consumed in moderation as a treat.
How do I know if a slush ice drink contains glycerol?
Not all slush ice drinks contain glycerol. Some only contain sugar. However, glycerol is sometimes used, so that manufacturers can reduce the sugar content. Pre-packaged slush ice drinks and make-at-home syrup concentrates containing glycerol will have an ingredients list that can be checked for declaration of glycerol or E422. These should carry a warning on the pack in keeping with the FSAI advice. Slush ice drinks containing glycerol that are sold unpackaged in a retail setting, for example from a slush ice machine, may not be labelled as containing glycerol, but the FSAI is advising the industry selling these to display permanent point-of-sale warnings stating, “this product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged ten and under”. If you are in any doubt, ask the vendor selling it.
What are the potential side effects of consuming too much glycerol?
Excessive consumption of glycerol can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting in young children. At very high levels, it could potentially lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and loss of consciousness.
What precautions should parents/guardians/caregivers take?
For children aged ten and under: Avoid slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
For all other ages: slush ice drinks are not a healthy option for a balanced diet, so irrespective of whether glycerol is present in them or not, monitor and limit the intake of slush ice drinks, especially in settings where free refills are available.
The use of slush ice machines by children in the home should be carefully monitored.
Parents/guardians/carers should also check the ingredient declaration of all syrups used to make slush ices in the home for the presence of glycerol and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
What should I do if my child shows symptoms of glycerol intoxication?
After consuming slushed ice drinks, if your child experiences headaches, nausea or vomiting, or on the rare occasion, severe symptoms, such as shock or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.
What else is the FSAI doing?
The FSAI has updated its voluntary guidelines for the industry. These guidelines require the industry to use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary when making slush ice drinks; ensure that their customers are aware of the FSAI’s advice for children aged ten and under in relation to slush ice drinks; and display permanent point-of-sale warnings stating “this product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged ten and under”.
The FSAI previously raised this issue with the European Commission and other Member States which led to the current EFSA assessment. The FSAI continues to support change to the current food additive legislation, but this will have to be agreed at European level.
* EFSA Scientific Opinion – Safety of acute exposure to the food additive glycerol (E 422) from beverages