The supermarket giant Asda is to be prosecuted by Swindon borough council for allegedly misleading customers over the anti-cancer properties of its mangoes.

The council says the labelling of the fruit makes false claims about its benefits.

A council spokesman said: "We have instigated legal proceedings against the company for breach of both the food labelling regulations and the National Cancer Act (1939)."

A spokesman for Asda said the firm was "disappointed" and would strongly defend the action. "We are very passionate about promoting the benefits of fruit and vegetables in our stores," he said.

The hearing is at Swindon magistrates court on March 5 and follows a routine inspection of a store.