TRADING standards chiefs across Lancashire today put out a warning over sweets which could cause children to choke to death.

The government's Food Standards Agency believes the jelly mini-cup sweets could be on sale in East Lancashire.

And it has asked officers from Lancashire County Council and from other local authorities to check that the sweets have been withdrawn from sale.

Anyone who has bought the sweets is being advised not to eat them.

They come under a variety of different brand names including ABC Mini Fruit Bites and Natco Jelee Mini Pots.

The soft, slippery jellies, which often have a chunk of coconut gel at the centre, come in dome-shaped plastic cups.

They have a foil lid, similar to a mini pot of milk or coffee creamer.

They may be sold in bags, plastic jars or individually.

Children may suck out and swallow the sweet whole, with the possibility of the sweet becoming lodged in their throat.

Traders and retailers in Lancashire are being asked to remove the sweets from sale immediately.

County Councillor Doreen Pollitt, Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "This latest move follows a ban on this type of sweet in 2002 because it contained Konjac.

Manufacturers re-formulated the gel without the Konjac ingredient so the sweets would melt in the mouth.

However it is still thought they could pose a choking hazard.

"Safety is of paramount importance and we welcome the ban on this type of sweet.

"I would urge all retailers to remove them from sale immediately."