There are several types of bay leaves that exist and not all of them are safe to eat. The mountain laurel is toxic to livestock while the laurel cherry tree leaves are not safe human comsumption. Bay laurel leaves are type of bay leaves that are used in quick-cooking dishes like stews, slow soups or braises when crumbled or powdered. However, when they are not crumbled or powered, they can be unpalatable and causes a bit of a choking hazard hence not served in dishes.