Cancer-causing dodgy denim may still be on Australian shop shelves

Jeans recalled amid fears the dyes used could cause cancer may still be on sale in Australian stores.

Despite a warning being issued 16 months ago for denim products contaminated with carcinogenic azo dyes, it could be as late as November before the products are either banned or found to be safe for purchase.

Testing by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission began in 2013, with recalls following in March.

More than 200,000 items were recalled by May, including more than 20 styles of jeans, and one style of sheet and pillow case.

"I can't give you a blanket guarantee there aren't more products out there containing azo dyes," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

"What I can say is we're working our hardest to stop them being available."

On Thursday, a recall notice was issued for a specific style of Cotton On's women's Elly Skinny Jean.

Three styles of Mody brand men's chinos sold through online retailer theiconic.com.au were also recalled.

Concerns now lie with how the government can regulate the industry when local retailers are sourcing products from overseas where the dyes are still used.