Caution advised on consuming wild mushrooms

ARE you going down to the woods today? If so, be careful what you eat.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has strongly advised people not to eat any part of a mushroom found in the wild without first seeking the advice of an expert mushroom forager. It warns of the serious risks posed by poisonous mushrooms and, in particular, the need for parents and guardians to ensure children do not consume wild mushrooms that may be growing in gardens or fields.

The warning coincides with the start of the foraging season and an increase in enquiries to the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland in relation to wild mushroom consumption. In 2013, 19 cases of poisoning related to wild mushrooms were notified to the centre, involving seven adults and 12 children. To date this year, 18 cases have been notified, involving seven adults and 11 children. All of the children had accidentally eaten wild mushrooms.

It is extremely difficult for amateur mushroom foragers to distinguish between safe and poisonous mushrooms growing in the wild. The advice is to seek specialist advice from an experienced mushroom forager. It is important to note that cooking does not kill the potentially toxic chemicals that can be found in some wild mushrooms.

There are 14 native species of mushrooms growing in Ireland that can cause food poisoning and a further 13 species that are highly dangerous and can cause hepatic and renal toxicity and, ultimately, can be life threatening. 

Consumers with food safety queries about wild mushrooms can contact the FSAI advice line on 1890 33 66 77 or the Poisons Information Centre of Ireland on (01) 8092166 or see www.poisons.ie.