Kilkenny parents issued with warning over harmful slush ice drinks

The Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI) has advised Kilkenny parents, guardians and caregivers to limit their young children’s consumption of slush ice drinks that contain glycerol, due to potential side effects including headaches, nausea and vomiting.

It's advised that children aged four and under should not consume glycerol-containing slush ice drinks and that consumption should be limited to no more than one per day for children aged between five and ten years of age. 

Glycerol gives ice drinks a slushy effect and whilst it is generally not harmful, there are concerns about its effects on young children under ten years of age when consumed in large quantities. Slush ice drinks are sold via slush ice machines in a variety of outlets and are also sold pre-packaged in supermarkets/retail stores.

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The FSAI has developed voluntary guidelines for the industry. These guidelines require the industry to use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary when making slush ice drinks.

"Whilst we do not want to cause parents, guardians or caregivers undue worry, we are advising that no child under 4 years of age should be consuming these slush ice drinks, and that consumption should be limited to no more than one per day for children aged between five and ten years of age," Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI said.

"On rare occasions, it could potentially lead to severe symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness," she concluded.