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