Health Risks of Glycerol in Slush Drinks Raise Calls for Stricter Regulations

A new study links slush ice drinks to glycerol intoxication syndrome in children, prompting experts and parents to advocate for tighter safety measures.

Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood identified 21 cases of glycerol intoxication syndrome in children under eight in the UK and Ireland.
Symptoms of the condition include hypoglycemia, reduced consciousness, and metabolic disturbances, with most children recovering after medical intervention.
The UK Food Standards Agency currently advises against slush drinks for children under four and limits consumption for those under 11, but researchers suggest raising the age limit to eight.
Parents, including a mother whose four-year-old daughter fell unconscious after consuming a slush drink, are calling for bans or stricter regulations for children under 12.
Experts highlight the lack of transparency around glycerol concentrations in slush drinks, complicating efforts to ensure safe consumption for young children.