Doctors Warn Children Under Eight to Avoid Glycerol-Laced Slushies

A study highlights health risks of glycerol in slush drinks, with 21 children hospitalized in the UK and Ireland since 2009.

Glycerol, a sweetener used to maintain the texture of sugar-free slushies, has been linked to serious health issues in young children.
A study reviewed 21 cases of children, mostly under age four, hospitalized between 2009 and 2024 with symptoms like low blood sugar and reduced consciousness after consuming slushies.
Most children became ill within an hour of drinking the slushies, with all cases resolving after medical intervention to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Researchers recommend raising the age limit for safe consumption to eight years, citing poor transparency around glycerol concentrations and weight-based risks.
The Food Standards Agency advises against slushies for children under four, while researchers call for stricter public health guidelines and clearer labeling.