From Scotland comes the alert on a substance present in many packaged granitas: it is called glycerol and is used to maintain the consistency of the product, but it can cause dangerous effects in children, especially under 4 years
With the arrival of the hot season, granitas and frozen drinks become one of the children’s favorite snacks. Fresh, colorful and inviting, they seem harmless but it is good to pay attention to an ingredient often present in these products: glycerol, a substance that can be dangerous for the little ones, especially if taken in large quantities.
What is glycerol and why it is used
Glycerol (or glycerin) is an alcohol of sugar used as a food additive. Its main function, in grain and frozen drinks, is to change the consistency, preventing the mixture from becoming too hard from frozen or too liquid once at room temperature. In practice, it helps to maintain a soft consistency, even after hours in the freezer.
In addition to granite, glycerol can be present in candies, sweeteners, supplements, drugs, and even in some industrial oven products.
Because it can be dangerous for children
According to a new study, published on Archives of Disease in Childhoodan excessive intake of glycerol can lead to intoxication, with symptoms that include:
In children, the risk is greater because their body has more difficulty disposing of the substance rapidly: glycerol is distributed in all body reserves of the body and can cause water retention and serious metabolic dysfunctions.
Two emblematic cases occurred in 2021 and 2022 in Scotlandwhen two children ended up in hospital after consuming a granita containing high levels of glycerol and this raised public and institutional attention on this additive. A new serious case occurred in 2024 when a 2 -year -old girl risked dying after drinking an iced drink containing glycerol.
Arla Agnew was left “20 Minutes from Death” When Her Blood Sugars Plummeted After Only Half a Cup of the Blue Drink At a Friend’s House on Saturday https://t.co/lkjhfk5ro
– The Times and the Sunday Times Scotland (@Timesscotland) August 1, 2024
The alert of the health authorities
Following these episodes, the Food Standards Scotland has published an official guide aimed at food industry and consumers, with precise recommendations:
These indications are based on scientific evidence and aim to prevent infantile health risks.
Is it also found in Italian products?
Glycerol can also be present in granite or glaciers sold in Italy, especially in those packaged or prepared with ready -to -use sachets. Less frequent in the artisan products sold in bars with special machines, but it cannot be completely excluded.
Important to specify that Glycerol is not in itself a toxic substance, but it can become dangerous if consumed in excess of small children. One more reason to always read labels and prefer natural and fresh products, especially if children will consume them.
We therefore always check what they contain granitis, frozen sweets, candies and syrups. We avoid “industrial” granitis for small children, preferring home preparations based on fresh fruit and also pay attention to drugs and supplements, which can contain glycerol as an additive.
