During the past months the Health Inspectorate has investigated several complaints from the public regarding a metallic after taste (also known as ‘pine mouth syndrome’) following consumption of different brands of pine nuts.

Whilst it is understood that local traders must comply with regulations, this problem is not easily detected since it does not effect everybody the same and the analytical methods to detect such species had to be developed in due course.

However, following several investigations carried out, in terms of the Food Safety Act and the EC Regulation 178 of 2002, the Environmental Health Directorate wishes to inform the public that as a precaution, 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.

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.

For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8:00am and 3:00pm on telephone number 21337333, by calling personally at its offices at 37-39, Rue D’Argens, Msida or by email mhi@gov.mt

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