The allegations were apparently raised at a hearing with Britney’s lawyer, the attorney for K-Fed and a lawyer from Los Angeles County Counsel, reports TMZ.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has targeted the troubled mother-of-two, whose parenting skills have been put into question following a number of incidents and reports from her staff.

The hearing raised issues about the boys’ dental hygiene, and poor eating and sleeping habits, but does not involve physical mistreatment of her children.

In April last year, child welfare officials visited the star’s Malibu mansion after she was spotted driving with Sean, then just four months, sitting on her lap.

A hearing has been arranged for September 4 to decide who will have custody of the boys.

Britney speaks out - Aug 23 2007
Britney looks set to face the biggest challenge of her life, as her ex-husband Kevin Federline is reportedly trying to win custody of their two children.

But the troubled singer has insisted that she’s passionately dedicated to her kids, Sean Preston and Jayden James.

"My babies are my life. I love them more than anything," the 25-year-old told US magazine, Life & Style.

"Both of my boys are doing so good," she added.

Friends admit that the popstar, who has apparently backed out of a duet with her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, has been stunned by the latest reported events, where her close friends and family have been subpoenaed by K-Fed in the custody battle.

And Brit herself is scheduled to be deposed on September 14.

But despite everything, the loyal support from her fans is helping her through these tough times.

"I love my fans, I really do. They’re so sweet to me."

Britney Not Dating Angel - Aug 20 2007
Illusionist Criss Angel has insisted that his relationship with Britney Spears is purely professional.

The magic man has been spotted out with the troubled singer, but says he’s helping her prepare for an upcoming performance.

"It’s amazing what people think," Criss, who has also been linked to Cameron Diaz, told People.com.

"We’re not together. Her manager is my manager, and I’m helping with one of her shows. I’m helping with her appearance on MTV."

Criss was apparently referring to Brit’s rumoured appearance at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards, although an MTV spokesperson is still refusing to confirm or deny whether the star is going to appear.

He added: "We were talking about how she wants to do something more with the awards show, and about me helping out and hoping to work with her on doing something to make her MTV appearance more innovative."

Rumours started flying after the 39-year-old was reportedly seen with Brit in a restaurant, but Criss said: "I’m here working on some stuff, and we went to that restaurant with 10 people. It’s amazing how you can’t do anything now without people making up stuff."

The Allure of Britney - Aug 16 2007
Britney Spears may not have given a good impression at a recent magazine shoot, but she was noticeably different in a shoot for another US magazine.

The shoot for the September issue for Allure was the singer’s first since she filed for divorce from K-Fed last November, and according to the magazine’s editor in chief, Linda Wells, Britney was "agreeable and cooperative" to work with.

"The pop star drove to the studio with her assistant and cousin, Alli Sims, in her black Mercedes. She arrived on time," she said.