The Belgian Food Safety Authority issued an unexpected warning that surprised the whole world. After the city of Ghent advised its residents to recycle Christmas trees in the kitchen, experts are sounding the alarm. Eating needles can have fatal consequences.

A dangerous trend from Scandinavia threatens health

It all started with the innocent idea of ​​the city of Ghent, which was inspired by the Scandinavian countries. The municipal office has published instructions on its website, how to use Christmas tree needles in the kitchen. They advised the inhabitants to collect, blanch and dry the needles for the preparation of flavored butters and other dishes. However, this apparently ecological initiative immediately provoked a sharp reaction from experts. The city tried to present this idea as an innovative way to fight waste and promote a sustainable lifestyle. Local chefs have even started experimenting with recipes containing needles and sharing their experiences on social media. However, enthusiasm for the new culinary trend was quickly replaced by concerns about the health of the residents.

Deadly danger hidden in needles

The Federal Food Chain Safety Authority (AFSCA) responded immediately and forcefully. According to them, Christmas trees absolutely do not belong in the food chain. Most trees sold during the holiday season contain dangerous pesticides used in their growing. An even greater risk is posed by fire-fighting substances with which the trees are treated for safety in homes. The average consumer has no way of knowing what chemicals their tree contains. Eating needles treated in this way can cause serious health problems ranging from stomach problems to life-threatening conditions. AFSCA emphasizes that there is no safe way to verify that Christmas trees are safe for consumption.

The city is retreating, but the problem remains

After a strong warning from the authorities, the city of Ghent quickly amended its controversial article. They changed the original provocative headline “Eat your Christmas tree” to the more cautious wording “Scandinavians eat their Christmas trees”. However, this cosmetic treatment does not solve the basic problem – what about the thousands of Christmas trees that end up in landfills every year. Experts recommend alternative methods of recycling, such as composting or using the trees as mulch in gardens. Some cities organize collections of Christmas trees and process them into wood chips, which are used in urban greenery.

How to safely recycle a Christmas tree?

Instead of experimenting with dangerous culinary ideas, experts recommend:

  • Hand over the tree to the municipal collection yard
  • Use it for composting (after removing all decorations)
  • Process it into mulch for the garden
  • Support local tree recycling initiatives

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