Fears have been raised a city could be stripped of its Fairtrade status after it was revealed its council had stopped stocking ethical teas and coffees.

Brighton and Hove City Council came under fire yesterday from councillors who accused it of setting the wrong example to businesses and residents.

The city was among the first in Britain to earn Fairtrade status five years ago when the council signed up to support the campaign and convinced a number of companies to follow suit.

It began stocking teas and coffees endorsed by the Fairtrade Foundation, meaning they were being produced in conditions fair to plantation workers in developing countries.

It has now emerged that those products have not been available in the council's canteens and at its meetings.

Councillor Rachel Fryer, who has raised the issue, said she had been told they had been dropped in a cost-cutting measure.

The Fairtrade Foundation yesterday confirmed it would review the city's Fairtrade status if the council had pulled out.

Coun Fryer said: "What makes this truly shocking is that the council should be leading the way in this city in promoting the importance of Fairtrade."

The council yesterday denied it had stopped stocking Fairtrade teas and coffees but admitted they had not had any in stock recently.

A council spokesman said: "We support and promote Fairtrade where possible and strive to ensure that all tea and coffee served on council premises and council canteens meets that standard.

“All tea and coffee served at council meetings in Kings House and Brighton town hall is Fairtrade where possible. However, like other caterers we are subject to the ability of our suppliers to provide the products."

Fairtrade Foundation campaign manager Hannah Reid said if the council did stop stocking items it would be the first town or city in the country to have its status taken away.

Ms Reid said: "It would be very disappointing. We don't want to see it happen though and would like to work with the council if it is having problems."

More than 100 businesses in the city now sell Fairtrade goods.

Yesterday some said they would not be put off by the council dropping out of the scheme.

Joshua Lyons, the manager of the Earth and Stars pub in Windsor Street, which sells Fairtrade teas, coffees and wines, said: "I'm going to continue doing what I think is right. If they don't want to continue that's their decision. I think it's important to give people the choice but others have different priorities."

There are 426 towns and cities with Fairtrade status. Each has to apply for the accreditation and then renew it every two years.

Among them are several in Sussex, including Arundel, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Lewes, Uckfield, Seaford and Worthing.