Warning to dog owners after lumps of palm oil wash up on beach

THE National Trust has issued a warning after “rancid” waxy lumps washed up on Formby beach.

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Palm oil, a type of vegetable oil used in processed foods and toiletries, is harmless to humans - but can prove fatal if ingested by dogs.

The toxic substance sometimes appears on beaches along the North West coast as a result of spillages from cargo ships. The National Trust has warned that seven bin bags of the waxy lumps had been removed from Formby beach, near Albert Road. A spokesman said: “Palm oil is toxic to dogs but very attractive to them due to its strong smell. Authorities have been notified but please be aware that more could wash up on the beach.