SHOPS and families are being warned to check their shelves for soy sauce which is thought to be a cancer risk.

Food safety watchdogs at Durham County Council's consumer services department say people should check for six types of the sauce.

The products have been named as Flower Brand supreme low salt soy sauce, Exotic Food supreme soy sauce, Silver Swan soy sauce, Adabi Kicap Manis, Hai Tian Brand superior light soy sauce, and Marca Pina soy sauce.

The Food Standards Agency has raised concern about the products after samples were found to contain traces of a chemical called chloropropanol, which has been linked to cancers in long term laboratory experiments.

Phillip Holman, the council's head of consumer services, said: "Although the risk from these products is very small, we are issuing this warning as a precautionary measure.

"We are working with our environmental health colleagues from the district councils and County Durham traders to ensure these six particular batches are not on sale in the county.

"Caterers and retailers should check their stock and we'd like to know if anyone finds these brands.''

Councillor Don Ross, council deputy leader, said: "As a precaution, we'd also advise anyone concerned about the possible health risks to dispose of these products should they find them in their cupboards.''

Retailers and shoppers concerned about identifying the products should contact consumer services on 0191-383 3589 or their local environmental health departments.