It is the star drink of the summer: refreshing, colorful and sweet … All the children love it, but the British authorities warn parents this summer.
Summer often rhymes with simple joys: warmth, children’s laughter and small holiday pleasures. Whether it is alcohol -free ice cream or cocktails, children are always fond of these summer sweets. There is also a drink that they particularly appreciate: it is found almost everywhere at festivals, at beach kiosks, in front of cinemas, and even at the local funfair. Its fruity taste and frozen texture make it a must for young and old. However, in its attractive aspect, this drink conceals an unknown risk that parents must know.
As of this summer, the British authorities warned against a popular summer drink: the granities. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that they do not give children under the age of 7, and limits consumption to 350 ml per day for children aged 7 to 10 – the equivalent of a standard soda can. This precise threshold aims to protect the youngest. But why are the granites pointed out?
The danger comes from an additive often added to give the granites their icy texture: glycerol (or E422). In addition to its stabilizing role, this compound acts in a powerful way on the organism of young children: it can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and in serious cases, cause severe hypoglycemia or loss of knowledge, according to the British authorities. The rapid absorption of sugar and water in the blood, then its metabolism by the liver, creates a cascade of potentially dangerous reactions, especially during repeated exposures or during very hot events.
In France, no specific prohibition has yet been implemented, and the granities remain widely available all summer. However, in the face of confirmed risks in the United Kingdom, with several serious cases and dozens of hospitalizations, this drink questions. Parents are still advised to read the labels carefully, ask if the drink contains glycerol, or simply prefer safer alternatives: water, compote without added sugar, diluted fruit juice or homemade smoothie. By establishing healthier habits from an early age, we better protect their holidays and well-being.
