At Least 21 Children Hospitalized After Drinking Slushies with Common — and Legal — Ingredient, Study Finds

At least 21 children were rushed to hospitals in the UK and Ireland over the past 15 years after consuming slush ice drinks containing glycerol, a recent study revealed. The Archives of Disease in Children shared that between 2009 and 2024, 21 children, aged 2 to 6 years old, were admitted to hospitals in an unconscious state after becoming severely unwell from drinking slushies.

The study highlighted that a staggering 93% of the affected children started experiencing symptoms within an hour of consuming the slush ice drinks infused with glycerol, a common sweetener used to create the slushy consistency. These symptoms led to a condition labelled as possible “glycerol intoxication,” with manifestations such as reduced consciousness, low blood sugar levels, and depleted potassium levels in the blood reported among the hospitalized children.

It was further noted that all the children who were hospitalized had glycerol detected in their urine samples. Strikingly, none of the patients had any pre-existing medical conditions. The study results indicated that after ceasing the consumption of slushies, 95% of the children did not experience any further episodes, suggesting a direct correlation between the drinks and the adverse health effects observed.

Following these concerning findings, the Archives of Disease in Children strongly advised that children below the age of 8 years old refrain from consuming ice drinks containing glycerol. Describing the phenomenon as an imitation of disorders related to gluconeogenesis and glycerol metabolism, the organization emphasized the need for heightened awareness among clinicians, parents, and public health bodies regarding this potential health risk.

Moreover, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK recommended that children under the age of 4 should not be given slush ice drinks with glycerol due to the associated risks of side effects like headaches and nausea, especially when consumed excessively. While glycerol is generally considered safe for human consumption and is an authorised food additive in the EU, concerns were raised regarding the lack of transparency around glycerol concentration, potentially leading to inadvertent hospitalizations of children.

Rebecca Sudworth, the director of policy at the FSA, emphasized the importance of parents following the guidelines provided, reinforcing the message that children under 4 years old should steer clear of slushie drinks. Sudworth stressed that despite mild symptoms typically associated with glycerol intoxication, parents must remain vigilant, particularly concerning higher consumption levels of these drinks.

As the issue continues to garner attention, it is essential for both parents and retailers to be aware of the risks associated with glycerol in slushie drinks, as highlighted by the study’s implications. The call for vigilance and regulation in the consumption of these popular frozen treats serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of understanding the ingredients in products intended for children.

In conclusion, the recent study shedding light on the adverse effects of glycerol in slush ice drinks underscores the need for increased awareness and caution when it comes to children’s beverage consumption. The emphasis on adherence to age-specific guidelines and recommendations by health authorities reflects a collective effort to safeguard the well-being of young individuals and underscores the significance of informed decision-making in choosing food and beverages for children.