When the weather is fine, children love to drink granitas by the pool or on the beach. Attention, a substance which is present there is potentially harmful.
On the beach, by the pool or in public gardens, your child may be asking for something sweet this summer. An ice cream, a cold drink or a pastry: we are generally spoiled for choice. Beware, however, of this sweet beverage that our toddlers particularly adore: granitas. According to a recent study conducted by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) – the Scottish and British food standards agencies – this drink a priori banal could be source of poisoning among the youngest who would abuse it.
This study, which Sky News and Slate have reported on over the past few days, has shed light on the presence of glycerin in granitas (for which there are recipes to make at home). This substance allows the liquid to maintain a relatively solid texture and therefore not to freeze completely. Problem, when ingested in (too) large quantities, glycerin can cause nausea and headaches.
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Do not chain the intake of these summer drinks
In detail, the FSA and FSS have identified two cases of glycerin poisoning in the UKwhich occurred in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The children concerned, who had consumed granitas, had to be hospitalized.
“The symptoms of glycerin poisoning are usually mild, but it is important that parents are aware of the risks”estimated an additive manager at the FSA, whose remarks are quoted in the press.
So, drink a single granita would represent a relatively low risk of poisoning. However, chaining these frozen drinks together in a short period of time could lead to hypoglycemia. Or even, more seriously still, a loss of consciousness. Caution is therefore called for.
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Even if she appreciates being able to deal with extremely diverse subjects, passionate about travel, Charline is particularly interested in themes related to society, climate, environment, psychology…