West Sussex trading standards investigate '˜pine mouth'

PEOPLE who have experienced '˜pine mouth' '“ which is believed to be caused by eating poor-quality pine nuts '“ are being urged to contact West Sussex trading standards officers.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Aug 2011, 15:00 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:30 BST

The service has been asked by the Food Standards Agency to assess the size of the problem in the county.

Head of trading standards Graeme MacPherson said: “Pine mouth is the name for the bitter aftertaste in the mouth you get after eating poor quality pine nuts.

“It’s a harmless but unpleasant condition that usually disappears after a few days. However, there have been reports of it lasting as long as two weeks.

“The problem is not a new one. But West Sussex trading standards service urges consumers to report any new cases – where you bought the nuts, batch details if you have them and how long the symptoms lasted.

“This will enable us to accurately assess the extent of the problem.

This information will then be passed on to the Food Standards Agency.”

If you experience a bitter taste after eating pine nuts, call 01243 642124.