Lightbulb candy hot online, but is it safe?

Candy shaped like life-size lightbulbs have proved a big seller in China during the holiday season after going viral online, but a Beijing health expert has warned the treat could be a choking hazard.

Made from caramel, the solid candies - about 10 centimeters long and 6 cm at the widest point - have been popular with shoppers looking for unique gifts on Taobao, the online marketplace.

The novelty became popular thanks to Emergency Medicine Specialist, a soap opera that began to air in China about a month ago.