Slush Advice Updated: 26 August 2026

Current slush consumption advice in Ireland

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has updated its slush advice on slush ice drinks containing glycerol, also known as E 422.

Children aged 10 and under should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol.

For everyone else, slush ice drinks are not part of a healthy balanced diet. They should be limited and consumed in moderation as a treat.

This article summarises the current FSAI slush guidance available at the time of writing. It is intended for parents, guardians, caregivers, home users and Irish food businesses.

Always check the official FSAI information for the latest advice.

What is glycerol?

Glycerol is an EU-approved food additive. It is used in some food and drink products to improve texture.

In slush ice drinks, glycerol helps maintain the slushy texture by preventing the liquid from freezing solid. It can also be used as a substitute or partial substitute for sugar.

Glycerol is also known as:

• Glycerol
• E 422

Not all slush drinks contain glycerol. Some slush products use sugar without glycerol.

Check the ingredients list before consumption. Do not assume that a slush drink contains, or does not contain, glycerol based on its flavour, colour or appearance.

FSAI advice for children aged 10 and under

The current FSAI advice is clear:

“Children aged ten years and under should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol.”

This wording is from the FSAI consumer advice. The recommendation includes children who are 10 years old.

Parents, guardians and caregivers should check whether glycerol or E 422 is present before giving a child a slush ice drink.

This applies to slush drinks purchased from:

• Shops
• Cafés
• Restaurants
• Pubs and entertainment venues
• Events
• Supermarkets
• Online retailers
• Home slush machines

Where the drink is sold unpackaged from a machine, ask the vendor if glycerol is used.

Slush drinks and glycerol: possible symptoms

The slush advice the FSAI states that excessive consumption of glycerol can cause possible side effects in young children, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

At very high levels, the FSAI states that severe symptoms could potentially occur, including:

• Shock
• Hypoglycaemia, meaning low blood sugar
• Loss of consciousness

These points are reproduced from the FSAI advice and are not a medical diagnosis.

If a child experiences concerning symptoms after consuming a glycerol-containing slush ice drink, seek immediate medical attention.

Advice for people over 10

The FSAI advice also applies to the general consumption of slush ice drinks.

Slush ice drinks are placed on the top shelf of the Department of Health’s Healthy Eating Food Pyramid. This means they are not part of a healthy balanced diet.

For people over 10:

• Limit slush ice drink consumption.
• Consume slush drinks in moderation.
• Treat them as an occasional treat.
• Avoid excessive quantities.
• Take extra care where free refills are available.

This advice applies whether glycerol is present or not.

A slush drink may contain glycerol, sugar, or other ingredients. Check the product information where available and follow the serving instructions.

How to check if a slush drink contains glycerol

Pre-packaged slush drinks

Pre-packaged slush drinks should have an ingredients list.

Check the label for:

• Glycerol
• E 422

Where glycerol is present, check the packaging for the relevant warning for children aged 10 and under.

Make-at-home slush concentrates

Make-at-home syrups and concentrates should also provide an ingredients list.

Check the label before preparing the drink. Look for glycerol or E 422.

Follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions. Do not add extra concentrate or change the stated preparation ratio.

Clear preparation instructions are important because the final drink depends on the amount of concentrate, water and ice used.

Slush drinks sold from machines

Unpackaged slush drinks sold from a machine may not have an individual ingredients label on the cup.

The FSAI advises retailers selling unpackaged glycerol-containing slush ice drinks to display a permanent point-of-sale warning:

“This product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged 10 and under.”

If the information is not clear, ask the vendor before purchasing.

Home slush machines and children

Children using a home slush machine should be carefully monitored.

Parents, guardians and caregivers should:

• Check the ingredients list of the syrup or concentrate.
• Look for glycerol or E 422.
• Follow the manufacturer’s preparation and dilution instructions.
• Keep children aged 10 and under away from glycerol-containing slush drinks.
• Monitor the amount consumed by older children.
• Avoid unlimited access or repeated refills.

A home machine does not change the ingredients in the concentrate. Check the product label before use.

Slush Ireland supplies slush machines, but product suitability and food safety decisions must be based on the instructions and ingredients provided with each product.

Practical advice for Irish food businesses

The FSAI has updated its voluntary guidelines for the industry. The guidance is relevant to businesses manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling or preparing slush ice drinks and concentrates.

Businesses should consult the official FSAI guidance directly for their legal obligations and operating requirements.

Check product formulation

Review slush drink concentrates and recipes where glycerol is used.

The FSAI advises businesses to use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary to achieve the intended slushy texture and to use it in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

Businesses should review formulations in light of the latest EFSA scientific opinion and current FSAI guidance.

Provide clear dilution instructions

Manufacturers and retailers of slush syrups and concentrates should provide clear preparation instructions.

Instructions should state:

• The required dilution ratio.
• The amount of water to add.
• The correct preparation method.
• Storage instructions where applicable.
• Any relevant serving information.

Customers should not need to guess how to prepare the product.

Inform customers where glycerol is present

Businesses should ensure that customers are informed when glycerol is used.

For pre-packaged products, check that the ingredients list is accurate and that an appropriate warning is provided where glycerol is present.

For unpackaged slush sold from a machine, display a clear and permanent notice at the point of sale where required by the FSAI guidance.

The notice should remain visible and readable during normal daily use. Temporary paper notices may become damaged or difficult to read.

Use appropriate warnings

The FSAI advises that retailers selling unpackaged slush ice drinks containing glycerol display a permanent point-of-sale warning.

The wording provided by FSAI is:

“This product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged 10 and under.”

Businesses should use the official FSAI wording and consult the current FSAI business guidance before producing signage.

Avoid free or unlimited refills

Businesses should avoid free refills, unlimited refill promotions or similar practices for glycerol-containing slush drinks in settings where children may consume them.

Businesses should also consider the portion sizes offered and the possibility of high short-term intake.

Keep serving and promotional practices consistent with the current FSAI advice.

Information for Slush Ireland customers

Slush Ireland supplies slush machines, mixes and accessories to businesses and home users nationwide.

Individual slush products must be checked using their own packaging, ingredients list and preparation instructions. Do not rely on general flavour names or product images to determine whether glycerol is present.

Before using a product:

1. Read the ingredients list.
2. Check for glycerol or E 422.
3. Follow the stated dilution instructions.
4. Check the relevant warning information.
5. Ask the vendor or supplier if the information is unclear.
6. Keep children aged 10 and under away from glycerol-containing slush drinks.

This article does not confirm whether any specific Slush Ireland product contains glycerol. Check the current product label or contact the supplier for product-specific information.

Why this advice may change

The updated FSAI advice follows a new scientific risk assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA assessed acute exposure to glycerol from beverages and established an acute reference dose for a single consumption event. EFSA also recommended that the European Commission consider numerical maximum levels for glycerol in beverages, including slush ice drinks.

Food additive legislation and official guidance may change.

This article reflects the FSAI advice available on 26 August 2026. It may be updated if FSAI advice, scientific evidence or EU legislation changes.

Official sources and attribution

The information in this article is based on the following official sources:

• FSAI consumer advice on the consumption of slush ice drinks : Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
• FSAI advice for food businesses regarding the sale and preparation of slush ice drinks : Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
• FSAI news release dated 26 May 2026: FSAI updates advice on slush ice drinks for children : Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
• EFSA Scientific Opinion: Safety of acute exposure to the food additive glycerol (E 422) from beverages : European Food Safety Authority.

FSAI wording has been quoted or closely summarised where indicated. The official FSAI pages remain the reference point for current consumer and business advice.

Disclaimer

This article is general information only. It is not medical advice, legal advice or a replacement for official food safety guidance.

Consult the FSAI for official advice and business obligations. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or if concerning symptoms occur after consumption.