A SURVEY of alcopops being sold in the region has revealed that some contain undeclared or excessive amounts of chemicals.

Consumer experts at Durham County Council analysed and tested several types of the alcoholic drinks to national food standards.

In almost two-thirds, food standard irregularities were found, ranging from labelling inadequacies to excessive or undeclared chemical additives.

Six of these contained undeclared aspartame - an artificial sweetener which can create problems for people affected by phenylketonuria (PKU), which means they are unable to break down phenylalanine in their food and have to follow a strict diet.

Aspartame is known to contain up to 50 per cent phenylalanine, and foods containing it are required to be labelled under food labelling legislation.

Philip Holman, the council's head of consumer services, said: "We are strongly advising people affected by PKU to avoid the six products found to contain undeclared aspartame.

"We are now working with the Food Standards Agency and other enforcement authorities to ensure that the manufacturers and suppliers of the failed alcopops rectify the deficiencies found and supply products that meet legal requirements."

The six products found to contain undeclared aspartame were; Sound Vodka Orange, Vodka Storm Blueberry, Maverick Code Red Tequila and Watermelon, Maverick Code Green Tequila and Lime, Rum Tribe Lemon and Lime, and Echo Vodka Lemon and Lime.

Mr Holman said: "This survey has highlighted a variety of failings in this type of product.

"We are particularly concerned that consumption of these drinks could make dietary control more difficult for young people with PKU."

Retailers and wholesalers are being advised to remove the substandard products from their shelves.

Nick King, finance manager of Surrey's The Drinks Company, trademark holder for most of the drinks, said: "We are not producing the products any more and we are not intending to produce any until all the labelling is organised."