Consumers were yesterday advised not to eat certain brands of pine nuts following complaints that the nuts were causing “taste disturbances”.

The Environmental Health Directorate said this was known as pine mouth syndrome. Those who complain say they are left with a metallic aftertaste with some brands of pine nuts.

The problem is not easily detected since it does not affect everybody equally and the analytical methods to detect such species still had to be developed, the directorate said.

It, therefore, decided to advise the public against consuming certain brands and batches as a precaution. These are the 100g Good Earth Natural Foods pine nuts, best before November 30, 2011, lot numbers MA043410 and MA034810 from China; the 100g Good Health pine nuts, best before December 30, 2012, from China; the 100g Pavi pine nut kernels, best before June 23, 2012, lot number 357 10 and the 80g Lucky Rose pine nuts, best before April 21, 2012, lot number 355.

For further information, consumers may contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on 2133 7333, or by calling in person at 37-39, Rue D’Argens, Msida or by e-mail at mhi@gov.mt.