Non-edible pine nuts from China on the local market

Pinus armandii are underdeveloped kernels and have been the source of a bitter aftertaste. They have been blended with other pine nut varieties by dishonest Chinese shippers due to the significant increase in pine nut prices and exported prior to November 2009, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce said.

Consumption of non-edible pine nuts may give rise to a bad taste in the mouth and has been labelled as pine nut mouth or pine nut syndrome. The bitter taste occurs either immediately or is delayed for 2 – 3 days after eating and wears off after a maximum of two weeks.

It has not been possible to distinguish a minimum dose at which symptoms occur as individual sensitivity greatly influences the perception of symptoms. So far 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 advised to discard any remaining products shipped to Malta prior to November 2009.

For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the HealthInspectorate Services between 08:00am and 03:00pm on telephone number 21337333, by calling personally at its offices at 37-39, Rue D’Argens, Msida or by email [email protected].