Belgian city sparks confusion by advising residents to eat Christmas trees
The Belgian city of Ghent has caused confusion by advising residents to eat Christmas trees, suggesting they make spruce needle butter. This recommendation has raised safety concerns due to the potential toxicity of the trees. A spokesperson from the Belgian Food Safety Agency warned that Christmas trees are not meant for human consumption. They noted that these trees are not grown with food safety standards in mind, which could pose health risks. While spruce needle butter is popular in Scandinavia, it is made from fir trees grown in natural reserves. Some pine varieties can be harmful, leading to stomach issues or allergic reactions.