SHOPS and customers are being warned to look out for Turkish helva products which may be contaminated with salmonella.

Environmental health staff at Bury Council have issued the warning about the sweet confectionery, which is made from crushed sesame seeds and syrup.

Councillor Pam Walker, public protection spokesman, said: "Helva, which is also known as halva, is sold in tubs and blocks and the alert has gone out after tests were done in the UK following reports of salmonella being found in similar products in Australia, Sweden and Germany.

"It would seem that there only appears to be a problem with Turkish helva products made between September 2000 and January 2001. However, because the shelf life of these products is at least a year, there is a possibility that they may still be in shops or in people's homes."

Tests so far have shown that the salmonella bug is only in products going under the brand names of Sera, Gulsan, and Ceran. In one case a similar product, Tahini, a sesame paste, also tested positive. That was being sold under the brand name Sera.

Consumers who are unsure should contact the Food Standards Agency helpline on 0845 000 0048.