Miss Catterson is claiming the company's Irn Bru bars have damaged her teeth.

McCowans is contesting the action at Paisley Sheriff Court saying the damage to her teeth was caused by excessive brushing.

Miss Catterson is suing for dental costs

Miss Catterson, who is engaged to Wet Wet Wet star Marti Pellow, says she ate the toffee bars three years ago.

She wants the firm, which also makes Highland Toffee, to pay to repair the damage she claims the sweets did to her teeth.

The international model alleges that, after chewing on three of the Irn-Bru-flavoured treats, her teeth became discoloured, she suffered pain to her gums and had to undergo dental treatment.

She says she had to attend her own dentist and was then referred to the Glasgow Dental Hospital for further treatment.

Miss Catterson further alleges that the acidic content of the chewy bars is so high they are unsafe for human consumption.

Excessive brushing

McCowan's Ltd, which is based in Stenhousemuir, sells more than 25m toffee bars a year.

The company, which also sells fizzy cola-bars, is denying the allegations against it.

In court papers the firm alleges that Miss Catterson's dentist noted that her teeth showed wear with excessive brushing.

McCowan's also claims that her dental records reveal no treatment of any significance since June last year and that any damage was caused by her own fault and negligence.

Miss Catterson's sister Clare, 18, is also suing McCowans for �1500 in a separate court action at Paisley Sheriff Court.

She claims Irn-Bru bars left her teeth and gums badly damaged and sore.