Customers at some of the UK's largest pub chains could have been getting more than they bargained for when popping in for a quick drink.

According to an investigation, bars and pubs up and down the country have potentially been serving punters with glasses containing 'faecal bacteria'.

Undercover reporters for BBC investigations show, Watchdog, in a report to be aired tonight, took samples from JD Wetherspoon, Slug and Lettuce, Harvester, Hungry Horse and Marston's Two For One - and found traces of poo.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health said it may be a health risk and 'is a concern'.

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Tony Lewis of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, analysed the findings for the show, and claimed it showed there were potential failings in cleaning standards, which could pose a potential risk to the health of their customers, in particular people with a weakened immune system.

He told the Mirror: "If ice is loaded up with the wrong type of bacteria then it can make us ill.

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"So that's why this is a concern.

"On the basis of the chains that we've looked at, industry needs to do better, making sure that their cleanliness is being well managed."

Wetherspoon is among those companies investigated by Watchdog. Credit: PA

According to reports in the Sun, Slug & Lettuce has said it has 'immediately investigated' the claims, Hungry Horse told them it has undergone a deep clean, and staff at Two for One were understood to be undergoing retraining.

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The paper also said that bosses at Wetherspoon had "taken on board the finding of the report"

However, not everyone agreed with the findings, with Harvester disputing Watchdog's scientific method.

A spokesperson for Harvester told LADbible: "The cleanliness and hygiene of our restaurants is of critical importance, as is the welfare of our guests and staff.

"The restaurants surveyed are all of a high standard as assessed by external inspectors and we want to reassure our guests they should have no concerns about any health risks related to the matters referred to in this programme."

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This isn't the first time high street chains have been put under the microscope by BBC's Watchdog.

Last year reporters discovered traces of poo in some drinks being served at Costa and Caffe Nero, after samples from iced drinks were found to be contaminated with bacteria.

A spokesperson for Costa told the Sun: "We were disappointed with the findings, especially as these stores are all rated 'very good' with the top hygiene rating of five.

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While Caffe Nero described the findings as concerning, saying: "A thorough investigation is now under way and the appropriate action will be taken."