The following brands and batches of pine nuts are not to be consumed due to the confirmed presence of pinus armandi, which is an inedible pine nut, the Environmental Health Directorate said.
The Health Inspectorate has, in the past months, investigated several complaints from the public regarding a metallic after taste following consumption of different brands of pine nuts.
The aftertaste is also known as 'pine mouth syndrome'.
Whilst it is understood that local traders must comply with regulations, this problem is not easily detected since it does not affect everybody the same and the analytical methods to detect such species had to be developed in due course.
Further information may be obtained from hte Health Inspectorate Services between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. tel. 2137333, address - 37-39, Rue D'Argens, Msida, email - mhi@gov.mt .
Product Description: Pine Nuts
Brand: Good Earth Natural Foods
Weight: 100g
Packaging Type: Plastic Bag
Date of Minimum Durability: 30.11.2011
Lot Nos.: MA043410 and MA034810
Origin: China
Product Description: Pine Nuts
Brand: Good Health
Weight: 100g
Packaging Type: Plastic Bag
Date of Minimum Durability: 30/12/2012
Origin: China
Product Description: Pine Nut Kernels
Brand: Pavi
Weight: 100g
Packaging Type: Plastic Bag
Date of Minimum Durability: 23.06.2012
Lot Nos.: 357 10
Product Description: Pine nuts
Brand: Lucky Rose
Weight: 80g
Packaging Type: Plastic bag
Date of Minimum Durability: 21.04.2012
Lot No.: 355