Ananova:

An internet auction site was forced to withdraw a lump of Britney Spears' chewing gum following boasts it contained her DNA.

Bids for the star's discarded gum had reached £280 when the eBay site realised the sale contravened its Human Body Parts and Remains policy, claims the Daily Mirror.

EBay told the paper: "The main selling point was the DNA which is not allowed."

The seller had to withdraw the gum briefly and amend the wording of the advert to remove reference to the star's DNA.

The revised description reads: "I am now allowed to list this item with a few alterations to my wording... this is the original gum that Britney spat out."

It adds: "It has not been touched since it was in Britney's mouth. It is completely preserved. This is a chance to own a piece of pop history,,, right from the mouth of the pop princess herself."

The auction is due to run until September 5.