Experts are warning parents about an additive in popular kids’ drinks amid reports of children collapsing after drinking it. Glycerol is a popular ingredient in drinks such as slush ice drinks but updated advice by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that they are not suitable for children under seven.
Professor Susan Jebb, FSA Chair said: “In the warm weather, children may be more likely to consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol, so it’s important that parents and carers are aware of the risks. As a precaution, the FSA is recommending that children under seven do not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol. There are immediate actions the industry can take that can help protect children and reduce the risk from these products.
“For example, retailers should limit cup sizes and should not offer free refill promotions to children under 10.”
The warning comes amid a terrifying spike in the number of children collapsing after consuming the drinks.
In March, doctors blamed slushies for the hospitalisation of 21 children who all needed medical attention within an hour of consuming the drinks.
On another occasion, a two-year-old girl was left “20 minutes from death” after having a slushy drink at a birthday party.
Arla Agnew fell unconscious and was rushed to hospital after consuming half of the drink last year leaving her “20 minutes from death”.
Medics later blamed her collapse on the drink, believing that it was responsible for sending her into hypoglycemic shock.
In another instance earlier this year, a woman rushed her daughter to hospital after she became “floppy and unconscious” after drinking the drink at a children’ s soft play.
Marnie Moore from Lancashire was treated for glycerol toxicity which causes dangerously low blood sugar triggered by iced artificially sweetened slushies.
Her mother, Kim, is now calling for the drinks to be banned for anybody under 12.
She said: “If I hadn’t taken her to hospital, it may have had a different outcome.
“So many places promote free slushies when you play there but you’re promoting poison.
“I don’t think they should be sold to kids 12 and under. And I personally wouldn’t allow my child to drink one at all. It’s not a risk I’m willing to take.”
Glycerol is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute which is added to slushies to stop them freezing.
However, once ingested, it is known to absorb a great deal of water and sugar from he bloodstream, which can have negative implications for vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.