Steer Clear Of Wild Mushrooms

Mushroom foraging is a popular activity enjoyed by thousands of people. However, it can prove as dangerous as it is fun warns California Poison Control System (CPCS). Serious illness and even death can happen if people don’t make sure the mushrooms are not poisonous before eating them.

The most serious illnesses and deaths have been linked to mushrooms that cause liver damage, including the Amanita phalloides or “death cap” mushrooms. These, along with the “destroying angel” mushroom or Amanita ocreata, are found abundantly throughout California.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates that more than 1,300 people were treated in Emergency Departments for accidentally eating a poisonous mushroom. The report also found that serious adverse outcomes occurred in nearly nine percent of the patients who sought care for eating poisonous mushrooms. Serious adverse outcomes can range from irregular heartbeat, kidney or liver failure, and seizures.

“There is always a risk in eating wild mushrooms that you, friends or family members gathered,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “People often believe it’s easy to identify wild mushrooms that are poisonous. But, in fact, it’s very easy to mistake a poisonous mushroom for one that’s edible. Also, some people use digital tools to identify the mushroom, but these don’t always correctly identify the mushroom. So, the bottom line is: you should never consume any wild mushrooms unless an expert confirms they are safe to eat.”

Mushroom Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms typically develop six to 12 hours after eating. Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating and can sometimes surface days or weeks later. Depending on the amount consumed, symptoms of mushroom poisoning range from mild to serious.

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Organ failure, including liver damage
• Death due to eating wild mushrooms is uncommon, but does occur

“Contrary to a common belief that poisonous mushrooms are brightly colored, they typically look just like mushrooms that are safe to eat,” adds Dr. Vohra. “Also, cooking mushrooms does not remove or inactivate toxins. The safest way to ensure that mushrooms are harmless to eat is to purchase cultivated ones from a reputable food market.”

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Get weekly tips about safety by texting TIPS to 20121 for English or texting PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish. Follow CPCS on Facebook and on Twitter @poisoninfo. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

Psilocybe Cubensis ‘Thai’ mushrooms  Photo from Alpha Media Portland OR