The Food Standards Agency (FSA) launched a new campaign today (17) to warn parents and caregivers not to give children under seven slush ice drinks or "slushies" containing glycerol.
The FSA recently updated its advice on the age recommendation for slush drinks which contain high levels of glycerol to help keep the ice frozen, stating that children under the age of seven should not be consuming the drinks, and that children under ten should not be offered free refills.
Retailers have been asked to support this advice by not offering free refills to children aged under 10. The manufacturers of slush ice drink concentrates have also been reminded to use only the minimum amount of glycerol necessary to achieve the frozen effect.
In addition, the FSA advises that children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml "slushie" drink per day – roughly the size of a fizzy drink can.
As the UK embraces high summer temperatures, the FSA has issued revised industry guidance. This, and the public awareness campaign, are timed to coincide with the seasonal spike in slush ice drink sales at children's indoor play areas, leisure facilities and outdoor events.
FSA Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Robin May said, "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol.
"While these drinks may seem harmless and side effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children.
"That’s why we’re recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving.
"We're working closely with industry to ensure appropriate warnings are in place wherever these drinks are sold, but in the meantime, we are asking parents and carers to take extra care when buying drinks for young children, particularly during warmer months when consumption of ‘slushies’ typically increases."
FSA states that sellers should communicate clearly whether drinks contain glycerol.
Parents should review product labels or signage at point of sale. The FSA advises consumers to avoid products if they're unsure about ingredients and seek medical advice if a child develops symptoms.
This advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates.
The FSA's updated guidance is based on the latest scientific evidence and is designed to help families make informed choices and keep children safe.
The FSA will be monitoring the situation carefully and will take further action in the future if necessary.
Retailers who sell slush drinks containing glycerol can download suitable assets to communicate that the products are not suitable for those under seven by accessing the FSA toolkit. This contains posters to display at the point of sale, along with social media graphics and copy to help retailers communicate the new guidelines to customers.
Retailers can download the toolkit here, as well as a poster to display in store here.