A KIDDERMINSTER mother who was sent a replacement cup for her toddler after fears it makes children ill expressed her shock at finding mould growing inside it.

The Worcester Royal Hospital nurse, who wishes to remain unnamed, says she purchased a Tommee Tippee cup for her two-year-old daughter six months ago.

After more than three million cups were recalled in America over concerns mould could grow in the valves, she contacted the company to ask for a replacement.

The mother-of-one was sent a new cup with a clear valve - allowing her to see areas affected by a build-up of dirt - but was alarmed to find the problem continued.

She said: "After using the valves for a very short time and washing them as directed by the website, I was appalled to find that they still hold fluid which quickly becomes dirty.

"You can't completely get it out. As I can see this in the valve I am left wondering how bad the previous valves which you couldn't see through must have been.

"Even though we wash them, water and bits of juice remain in the valves that could be building up over time, so I contacted Tommee Tippee and said it was not good enough.

"Ideally I wanted a refund as I did not feel assured enough to rely on these cups.

"They apologised and said they can send out some different cups with straws instead, but that’s not good as my daughter does not use them.

"I am not happy and I am concerned about using Tommee Tippee equipment now."

The recall in America was made by the Consumer Products Safety Commission after up to 70 children reportedly fell ill as a result of drinking from the cups.

The company, which is owned by the UK-based firm Mayborn Group, are now launching a new cup with a two-piece valve within the next month to eradicate any issues.

A spokesperson added: "Child health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.

"When we knew that a small proportion of our customers were having problems cleaning the white, one-piece valve, we voluntarily offered to replace them free of charge.

"We gave parents the choice between a transparent one-piece valve that they could see inside, or a different style of cup.

"Additionally, since early March 2016 we have only manufactured and sold spill-proof cups containing the transparent valve, which is not impacted by the US recall.

"As a result, there are only very limited quantities of the white valve product left in our supply chain."

Any customer concerned about their white, one-piece valve – or who are seeking a replacement cup – can call the Careline on 0808 206 8000.