Advice about the food additive glycerol (E 422) in slush ice drinks, more commonly known as 'slushies'
Check the ingredients list of slush ice products and concentrate for the items below. If they're included, the product is not suitable for children under 7 years old.
The advice on this page applies to ready made slush drinks as well as kits bought to make them at home.
Some slush ice drinks, or 'slushies', can contain the ingredient glycerol. This is used as a substitute for sugar to create the ‘slush’ effect.
Due to their potential to cause side-effects such as headaches and sickness, particularly when consumed in excess, we recommend that:
Children aged 7 or over are considered unlikely to suffer ill effects from drinking one slush drink. This is because the effects of glycerol are related to body weight.
To prevent young children being exposed to excessive amounts of glycerol, FSS is advising that:
At very high levels of exposure – typically when several of these products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication could cause shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness.
Glycerol (E422) is a key ingredient used in the production of slush ice drinks. It has the function of maintaining the slush properties to prevent the liquid freezing solid.
Although glycerol is generally of low toxicity, there are concerns about the effect on young children when large quantities are consumed over a short period of time.
Additives must be assessed for safety before they can be used in food.
We also make sure that:
We investigate any information that casts reasonable doubt on the safety of an additive.
FSS and FSA been working with industry to agree best practice guidelines for manufacturers of slush ice drinks:
Glycerol (E 422) is authorised as a food additive in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 on food additives.
It is permitted for use at quantum satis in flavoured drinks. Quantum satis means no maximum numerical level is specified and substances must be used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, at a level not higher than is necessary to achieve the intended purpose and provided the consumer is not misled.
Glycerol (E 422) is a key ingredient used in the production of slush ice drinks, having the function of maintaining the slush properties to prevent the liquid freezing solid. However there have been cases of children becoming unwell following excessive consumption. FSS and the FSA has been working with industry on voluntary guidance to protect vulnerable consumers and has agreed the four principles listed below. These are not a legal requirement but are considered best practice.
