CONSUMER chiefs are warning people not to use a low grade Spanish olive oil.

Durham County Council's Consumer Services department said it had been informed by the Food Standards Agency that olive-pomace oil from Spain could pose a health hazard.

Acting on information from the Spanish government, the agency is taking urgent steps to withdraw the oil from sale and is advising consumers and caterers not to use it.

The Spanish government has banned the oil after finding it contained high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, known as widespread environmental pollutants, including chemicals that can cause cancer.

The levels found in the oil are up to 60 times higher than those found in UK vegetable oils.

Philip Holman, the county council's head of consumer services, said: "Olive-pomace oil is made from the residue left after producing virgin olive oil. It is the lowest grade olive oil.

"If anyone has the oil in their kitchens they should dispose of it immediately."

Other olive oils and non-Spanish olive-pomace oils are not affected.