Beetle warning issued for fake Christmas trees

from cbc ottawa

OTTAWA – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a nationwide recall for an artificial Christmas tree made in China, over concerns that the real-bark trunks might contain an invasive beetle.

The trees in question contain natural wood and weren't properly treated to kill the brown fir longhorned beetle, according to the agency.

CFIA wants people who bought certain trees made by Polytree Hong Kong Co. Ltd. this year to return them to the store after the holidays.

The models affected are the six-foot Dakota Alpine and two models of the Cascade Pre-lit Alpine.

"The presence of live insects is unlikely, however the threat of the beetle's potential spread lies in improper disposal of the trees," CFIA said in a release.

U.S. authorities discovered the beetle in some of the artificial Christmas trees and issued a recall of the trees last week.

CFIA has contacted retailers known to distribute the trees. However, the trees are also available on the internet.

The brown fir longhorned beetle has not been found in Canada.