2202. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether she will consider making mandatory the point-of-sale warning requirements currently set out as voluntary guidelines in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advice of 26 May 2026, which recommends that retailers selling unpackaged glycerol-containing slush ice drinks display permanent warnings that the product is not recommended for children aged ten and under; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43262/26]

2204. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health whether she will consider introducing a statutory prohibition on the sale of glycerol-containing slush ice drinks to children aged ten and under, given the Food Safety Authority of Ireland advice of 26 May 2026, that such drinks can cause glycerol intoxication syndrome including severe symptoms such as hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness in children in that age group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43264/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2202 and 2204 together.

The safety of food and drink products consumed by children is a priority for my Department, and I am aware of the updated advice issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on 26 May 2026 in relation to glycerol-containing slush ice drinks.

Glycerol, also known as E422, is an approved food additive in the European Union and is used in some slush ice drinks as a substitute, or partial substitute, for sugar. It also helps to maintain the slushy texture of these drinks.

While glycerol is considered safe for the general population when used in appropriate amounts in foods and drinks, the FSAI has advised that children aged ten years and under should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol. This advice reflects concerns that, due to their lower body weight, children in this age group may be more vulnerable to adverse effects where slush ice drinks containing glycerol are consumed. Potential effects include headaches, nausea and vomiting, and, at very high levels, rare but more serious symptoms such as shock, hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness.

The updated advice follows a new scientific opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the safety of acute exposure to glycerol from beverages. That opinion recommended that the European Commission consider establishing numerical maximum levels for glycerol when used in beverages.

The FSAI has also updated its guidance for industry. This guidance advises food businesses to use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary when making slush ice drinks, to ensure that customers are aware of the advice relating to children aged ten and under, and to display permanent point-of-sale warnings stating: “this product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged ten years and under”. My Department has also been advised that there is currently no specific maximum permitted level for glycerol in flavoured drinks under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, and that this issue is being discussed at EU level with a view to considering possible regulatory controls.

In relation to the introduction of a statutory prohibition on the sale of slush ice drinks containing glycerol to children aged ten years and under, or making point-of-sale warnings mandatory, my Department will continue to liaise with the FSAI. Since opinions issued by EFSA are not legally binding, any national measures must be consistent with the harmonised European Union Regulations governing food additives and food information. This ensures that individual countries' actions remain aligned with EU-wide standards, promoting uniformity and clarity across Member States.

In the meantime, the public health advice is clear: children aged ten years and under should not consume slush ice drinks containing glycerol. Parents, guardians and caregivers are advised to check ingredient information where available and, where there is any doubt, to ask the vendor whether glycerol is present. Food businesses are expected to have regard to the updated FSAI advice and to take appropriate steps to ensure that consumers are clearly informed at the point of sale.

My Department will continue to support the work of the FSAI in keeping this matter under active review, providing clear public health advice and engaging at EU level on any necessary changes to the current food additives legislation.