**Belgium Issues Warning Against Using Christmas Trees as Food**
In a bizarre incident, the Belgian food safety agency, AFSCA (Agence Fédérale pour la Sécurité Alimentaire), has issued a warning to residents not to use their Christmas trees as a food ingredient. The alert was triggered by a recycling guide published by the city of Antwerp, which suggested creative ways to reuse Christmas trees, including using the needles in recipes.
The guide, aimed at promoting sustainability, recommended shredding Christmas trees and using the needles to make tea or as a garnish for dishes. However, the AFSCA quickly stepped in to clarify that this was not a good idea.
“Using Christmas tree needles as food is not safe,” said a spokesperson for the AFSCA. “Christmas trees are often treated with pesticides, and the needles can contain high levels of contaminants such as heavy metals and bacteria. Consuming them can be hazardous to your health.”
The agency emphasized that Christmas trees are not meant for human consumption and can cause food poisoning if ingested. They urged residents to dispose of their Christmas trees properly, either by composting them or sending them to a recycling facility.
The city’s recycling guide had suggested that the needles could be used to make a “fragrant and healthy” tea, but the AFSCA warned that this was not a recommended practice. “We understand the intention behind the guide was to promote sustainability, but we cannot stress enough that food safety is our top priority,” said the spokesperson.
The incident highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it comes to food safety. Residents are advised to stick to tried-and-tested recipes and avoid using unconventional ingredients that could pose a risk to their health.
In the meantime, the city of Antwerp has updated its recycling guide to remove the suggestion, and the AFSCA will continue to monitor and advise on food safety issues. As for this year’s Christmas trees, it’s best to enjoy them for their festive spirit, not for their culinary potential.
