German health agency warns glycerin in slush drinks may cause headaches in children

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has alerted consumers that many slush‑ice drinks contain glycerin (E 422) to keep the mixture smooth. In doses above the therapeutic threshold – 250 mg of glycerin per kilogram of body weight – the substance can lower intracranial pressure, leading to headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.

The BfR’s calculations show that a child weighing about 20 kg could reach this dose by drinking roughly 200 ml of a slush drink with average glycerin levels. manufacturers are not required to limit glycerin amounts or label its presence, so the agency advises parents to ask vendors whether the additive is used, or to avoid the product altogether. As an alternative, the BfR points to a simple homemade granita recipe using lemon juice, sugar and water.