PORTIONS of chicken wings which would have been dished up to pupils at six St Helens schools have been withdrawn after it was discovered they had been contaminated with a dye linked to an increased risk of cancer.

The chicken is among hundreds of products the Food Standards Agency has warned contain the illegal Sudan 1 dye.

A St Helens Council spokeswoman said suppliers had withdrawn the food before it reached the schools.

Meanwhile, stores across the town have also had to take thousands of items containing the hazard dye off their shelves.

St Helens Council is liaising with local food suppliers, retailers and wholesalers to ensure any suspected food products contaminated with Sudan 1 are withdrawn from sale.

Amid mounting national publicity the Authority is keen to allay public concern and says its food experts are continually monitoring the Food Standards Agency (FSA) daily updates of products affected.

Environmental health staff have already contacted local food premises to withdraw food included on the list and the school meals service is working with its suppliers to ensure that any food contained on the list is immediatelywithdrawn. So far only one product has been identified in a handful of schools and has been removed.

Steve Massey, Assistant Director of Environmental Health said: "I know people will be concerned over recent national developments but I would like to reassure the local community that everything that needs to be done is being done".

The FSA announced the dye was found in chilli powder used to make Worcester sauce, which was then used as an ingredient in other products.

National reports, however, suggest some smaller shops say they are still not getting enough information to help them identify the products.

Customers who find any of the suspect foods in their cupboards or freezers are advised to return the packaging to their retailer for a refund.

A full list of the other affected items can be found at www.food.gov.uk