UK Food Standards Agency Warns Against Frozen Drinks for Children Under 7
As temperatures rise, demand for cold drinks has surged. However, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a critical warning, advising that children under 7 should avoid consuming frozen drinks containing glycerol.
Kokcha News Agency reports that the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a stark warning, particularly against the consumption of slush drinks (flavored frozen beverages) containing glycerol by children under the age of 7. Experts have highlighted that these drinks, which are rich in glycerol, pose serious health risks.
In a statement, the FSA emphasized that “children under 7 should absolutely not consume slush drinks containing glycerol.” The Mirror reported that glycerol can cause severe health issues in children, including nausea, headaches, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), shock, and even loss of consciousness.
The FSA also advised that children under 10 should consume no more than 350 ml (roughly the size of a can of soda) of such drinks. Parents are urged to check product labels for glycerol content before purchasing.
This warning follows previous expert advice that children under 8 should avoid glycerol-containing frozen drinks. Despite their popularity among kids due to their colorful appearance and sweet flavors, these beverages have been found to carry significant health risks.
A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed that over the past six years, 21 children aged 2 to 7 in the UK and Ireland required emergency medical attention after consuming these drinks. The study identified glycerol intoxication syndrome as a common issue in these cases. Glycerol, a natural sweetener used in flavored frozen drinks to prevent complete freezing, can lead to hypoglycemia, loss of consciousness, and acid buildup in the blood when consumed in excess.
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