The Co-op supermarket chain announced today it has removed a range of chemicals from its own-brand household cleaning products.

The chemicals are legally permitted and used in a wide variety of products such as washing-up liquid and fabric conditioners.

The decision by the Co-op to ban their use in its own products followed what it described as "credible evidence" they could cause harm to humans.

Phthalates, which are linked to liver and kidney damage, have been replaced in 31

Co-op cleaning products.

David Croft, head of Co-op brand at the firm, said: "Some scientists say these chemicals present little risk, others that they should have been banned ages ago.

"We are giving the benefit of the doubt to consumers, especially as these chemicals are easily replaced without any discernable