THE hottest chillies in the world have gone on sale in the region.

The Naga-bih Jolokia, or Ghost Chilli, is rated more than one million times hotter than a run-of-the-mill pepper.

It is available from newly-opened foodstore mmm..., in Newcastle's Grainger Market.

The chilli, under 2cms long, has an official rating of more than one million units on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale.

But the tiny Indian chillies, now being sold to heat-loving foodies for £2.50 a pack, would need more than one million dilutions in sugar water to get rid of the heat.

Simone Clarkin, who set up mmm... in May to sell handmade and interesting food, is offering a health warning with the chilli.

She said: "It really is hot - and doesn't even need to be used in cooking, but simply rubbed onto pans to create a high level of heat in the dish.

"So we are hoping that anyone who buys the chillies, or any of the other super hot chillies we are stocking will take real care whilst handling it."

For more information call 07801 357314, e-mail info@mmm-food.co.uk, or visit the website www.mmm-food.co.uk