Chemical cocktail in strawberry shakes

Thousands of strawberry milk shakes sold by fast food outlets contain a cocktail of chemicals blended together and no fruit, it emerged today.

Research also revealed that at least two of the artificial ingredients used could trigger allergic reactions.

Traditionally, the drink is whipped up with milk, cream, sugar, vanilla beans and, of course, strawberries. But the modern takeaway version contains a long list of synthetic ingredients and not a single fruit berry.

"Most people would be shocked to discover what's actually in their fast-food strawberry shake," said Matilda Lee, associate editor of The Ecologist magazine which published the findings.