Slushies

Did you know that some slush ice drinks or ‘slushies’ can be dangerous for young children? 

Slush ice drinks may contain glycerol, an ingredient used in place of sugar. If young children consume large quantities of glycerol it can cause sickness and headaches, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), shock and loss of consciousness. 

We advise that slush ice drinks containing glycerol shouldn’t be consumed by children under 7.

Children under 10 should only have one 350ml drink - that’s about the size of a fizzy drink can.

Check with the seller about the drink’s glycerol content – don’t buy if in doubt. 

For more information about our guidance on iced slush drinks visit : https://www.food.gov.uk/glycerol  

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Top Tips - How to prevent choking in children?

STAY – Stay with children when they are eating – it is the biggest thing you can do for them

STILL – Get children to sit still – it can be a battle, but it is much safer

CUT UP - foods that are round, hard, chunky, doughy, or stodgy

• Sausages or hot dogs – cut into short, narrow strips lengthways as thin as possible. Removing the skin makes them easier to swallow
• Meat – cut into strips and remove any bones, skin, or fat
• Fruit – check for pips or stones and remove them
• Round fruit (grapes, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes) – cut lengthways and then into quarters
• Vegetables and larger fruit (melon, apple, mango, carrot, and cucumber) – cut into thin strips, grate or mash, steam, or simmer
• Legumes (chickpeas and butter beans) – mash or steam to soften them
• Nuts and seeds – chop or flake (Whole nuts should not be given to under 5’s)
• Cheese – cut into narrow batons or strips
• Bread - Cut all types of bread into narrow strips. White bread can form a doughy ball, so brown or toasted bread is a good option
• Remove skin from fruits or vegetables to make them easier to swallow.

AVOID these foods – for babies and young children

• Popcorn
• Marshmallows
• Round Hard Sweets – including lollipops
• Mini-Eggs
• Jelly cubes
• Peanut butter (but ok to use as a spread)
• Whole grapes

If you are a parent or carer, we hope you will find the web links below useful...