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In an announcement dated December 15, ANSES recalls that decorative plants used for the holidays, such as mistletoe or holly, are not harmless and should not be ingested by children or animals. Caution.
A wreath of mistletoe on the door, a sprig of holly on the log or on the plate as a decoration… This is a traditional way of celebrating Christmas and the end of the year that continues in homes. But the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) reminds us at the end of December: the ingestion of berries or leaves by children or animals can be toxic and cause more or less severe symptoms. The alert specifically targets 3 plants.
Holly: toxic to humans and animals
While its branches and leaves serve as decoration for your table and your interior and exterior decorations, ANSES reminds us that small red berries can be attractive to children. However, one or two berries can cause minor digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain). A larger amount may result in “significant salivation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, even drowsiness or seizures” according to the press release.
These berries are also toxic to pets, which may show digestive signs (diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.) or even neurological signs (drowsiness, coma, etc.) if a large quantity of berries are ingested.
Mistletoe: toxic to humans, deadly to animals
Also used to decorate the house, mistletoe branches are poisonous, whether we are talking about the leaves or the white berries. The ingestion of a small number of berries by children can lead to minor digestive signs (vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.). However, “cardiac disorders (heart rhythm disorders, drop in blood pressure…) or neurological disorders (drowsiness…) can be observed in the event of ingestion of a large number of berries”.
Mistletoe leaves and berries are also toxic, even fatal, if eaten by domestic animals and herbivores such as cows, sheep or horses.
The poinsettia, toxic to animals.
Finally, the poinsettia or “Christmas star”, which is offered during the holidays, can cause minor digestive disorders in children if the leaves are put in the mouth. Consequences which can be more serious if it is your cat who chews the leaves: digestive disorders and excessive salivation can happen.
What to do in case of ingestion?
As an accident happens quickly, ANSES reiterates the instructions for good conduct in the event of ingestion or doubt about ingestion:
- If the child has put leaves or berries of holly, mistletoe, or other ornamental plants in his mouth: clean his mouth with a damp cloth, do not give him a drink and call a poison control centre;
- In case of poisoning of your animal, call a veterinary Poison Control Center;
- In all cases, keep the label or a photograph of the plant for easy identification.