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As the season for wild mushrooms kicks off, Australians are being urged to stay vigilant about the dangers associated with mistakenly consuming death cap mushrooms and other toxic fungi.
This past Monday, the Food Safety Information Council (FSIC) delivered its annual advisory on the hazards of mushroom foraging. The message was clear: avoid picking or consuming wild mushrooms to reduce the risk of poisoning.
The FSIC highlighted that the recent blend of mild weather and substantial rainfall has led to a proliferation of wild mushrooms nationwide. This increase in growth heightens the risk of encountering poisonous varieties.
Accidental ingestion of these mushrooms can result in severe consequences, such as liver or kidney failure, if not treated promptly. In the worst cases, it can be fatal.
The council also emphasized that traditional methods of preparing mushrooms, such as cooking, peeling, or drying, do not neutralize their toxicity. They strongly recommend that individuals source their mushrooms from trusted markets or grocery stores to ensure safety.
Consuming death cap mushrooms in particular had led to deaths in both Australia and overseas, FSIC CEO Lydia Buchtmann said.
“The poison in one death cap mushroom, if eaten, is enough to kill a healthy adult,” Buchtmann said.
Non-native death cap mushrooms look and taste almost identical to other wild mushrooms, including edible mushrooms picked in Europe, or straw mushrooms used in some Asian cooking. In Western Australia, the native marbled death cap mushroom could have similar fatal effects.
Last year, Victorian woman Erin Patterson was found guilty of intentionally poisoning her lunch guests by serving them a Beef Wellington meal containing death cap mushrooms at her Gippsland home in July 2023.
However, it’s not only death cap mushrooms that raise concern. Yellow-staining mushrooms are more common than edible mushrooms in urban areas, and account for most wild mushroom poisoning incidents in Victoria.
The FSIC recommended checking gardens and fields for mushrooms and removing them to decrease the risk of accidental exposure — especially amongst children and pets.
Mushrooms should not be removed with bare hands, and gloves or tools should be used to then place them in a plastic bag.
If you suspect mushroom poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia-wide.
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or go straight to an emergency department. If possible, take a sample or photo of the mushroom to help with identification.
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