Non-edible pine nuts of the species pinus armandii and pinus massoniana originating from China are available on the local market, the Environmental Health Directorate within the Public Health Regulation Department said.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce had indicated that pine nuts from pinus armandi were the source of bitter aftertaste, mainly from underdeveloped kernels that had been blended with other pine nut varieties of Chinese origin by dishonest shippers due to the significant increase in pine nut prices and exported prior to November 2009.

Consumption of said pine nuts may give rise to bad taste in the mouth of consumers. This reaction, along with a collection of other symptoms, has come to be labeled as pine nut mouth or pine nut syndrome. The bitter taste occurs either immediately or delayed two to three days after eating and wears off after at a maximum of two weeks.

The department said it has not been possible to distinguish a minimum dose at which the symptoms occur.

Individual sensitivity greatly influenced the perception of symptoms.

"Until now the symptoms have always been described as reversible. Therefore, there is a general consensus that there is no acute toxic potential and thus, with the exception of the taste irritation, there is no hazard to the consumer.

"At this time, there is no knowledge of chronic effects following the consumption of pine nuts that cause taste irritation."

The Environmental Health Directorate is closely monitoring the situation with other European counterparts.

Consumers are thus advised to discard any remaining similar products which might have given rise to the symptoms indicated.

Further information is available from the Health Inspectorate Services between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., tel: 2133 7333, offices: 37-39, Rue D’Argens, Msida, email: mhi@gov.mt.