Bright, multi-coloured, fruit-flavoured slushie ice drinks sold in cinemas, parks and soft-play settings are made to appeal to children. However, in recent years there have been numerous reports of children taking ill after consuming sugar-free versions of them, which contain glycerol.

With a view to informing public health policy and guidance for parents, the research team looked at the medical notes of 21 children who had become unwell after consuming a slushie. The boys and girls taken ill ranged in age from two- to seven years old with an average age of three-and-a-half.

As experts warn parents about the levels of glycerol in slushies, we take a look at the other foods and drinks with the additive.