Croatian MEP Biljana Borzan (S&D) has called on the European Commission to introduce mandatory warning labels and age-related sales restrictions for slushy drinks containing glycerol, citing recent European Food Safety Authority warnings about acute illness and hospitalisation risks, particularly for young children.
The written parliamentary question, submitted on 23 June 2026, presses the Commission on three concrete steps: first, whether it will mandate clear, visible warning labels on products with glycerol, given their appeal to children; second, whether it will assess the need for age-based sales restrictions in line with the precautionary principle; and third, what specific measures it plans to take to better protect vulnerable groups in light of emerging scientific evidence.
Borzan's question reflects growing concern over glycerol (E422) used as a sweetener and thickener in slushy drinks, which can cause glycerol intoxication syndrome in young children, leading to hypoglycaemia, seizures, and hospitalisation. The MEP is effectively pushing for a precautionary approach that would shift the burden of proof onto industry and tighten EU food safety rules for child-targeted products.
If the Commission takes up the request, it could lead to new labelling requirements under the EU Food Information to Consumers Regulation or even a revision of the additives regulation. The Commission typically has six weeks to respond; its answer will signal whether it sees current rules as adequate or is open to stricter measures.
EU food safety regulators would face new enforcement duties; slushy drink manufacturers would bear compliance costs for relabelling and potential market restrictions; parents and child health advocates would gain clearer risk information; and retailers might need to implement age checks, affecting sales volumes.