SHOPPERS are being warned not to buy or use Spanish olive-pomace oil after tests showed it contained high levels of cancer-causing chemicals.

Consumers and caterers in Worcestershire have been urged to steer clear after 60 times the amount of such chemicals were found in the product than in any other UK vegetable oil.

Spanish olive-pomace oil is made from the residue left after producing virgin olive oil. It is the lowest grade of olive oil.

The warning follows Spanish Government tests, which showed high levels of environmental pollutants - polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - in the oil.

It was immediately taken off the country's supermarket shelves.

Chief Executive of the UK's Food Standards Agency Geoffrey Podger said staff acted immediately when they received the information.

"I must stress this does not relate to any other types of olive oil, nor to non-Spanish olive-pomace oils," he said. "We are working closely with the food industry to identify any other products that contain Spanish olive-pomace that may be affected."

And customers who have bought the oil are urged to dispose of it, with any inquiries to the Food Standards Agency helpline on 0845 0000048, open from 9am-6pm.

Trading standards and environmental health departments can be contacted on:

- Worcestershire - 01905 765373

- Bromsgrove - 01527 881445

- Malvern Hills - 01684 862220

- Worcester City - 01905 722225

- Wychavon - 01386 565363

- Wyre Forest - 01562 732704