City of York Council's trading standards officers are concerned that sweets containing the banned substance - Konjac - and trading under the name Jellyace or Sugarland have been found on sale in Shropshire and may have been distributed to outlets as close as Leeds.

The Food Standards Agency has been informed that these products have been found on sale in shops in England and Wales. A Food Hazard Warning has been issued and examples of the packaging can be seen on the F.S.A website; www.food.gov.uk.

The jelly sweets contain E425 Konjac - a banned additive that could present a choking hazard to children. Sweets made with Konjac do not dissolve easily and as a result may get stuck in a child's throat.

The products in question are Jellyace Buko Pandan and Jellyace Lychee Flavor Konjac and officers are appealing for shops to take them off the shelves.

Other packets of Jellyace Buko Bandan labelled as containing locust bean gum are safe, and consumers are being asked to check labels on sweets.

Richard Withers, principal trading standards officer, City of York Council, said: "Last year it was made illegal for E425 Konjac to be used in the manufacture of any jelly confectionary. The council's food and safety unit is urging all consumers and shop owners who find these jelly sweets, to check the packaging carefully and contact us immediately if any are found containing the banned additive."

Anyone wanting more information about the sweets should contact the council's food and safety unit on 01904 551525 or the Food Standards Agency on 020 7276 8448.