File photo of wild mushrooms in a US forest. Image: Peter French File photo of wild mushrooms in a US forest. Image: Peter French A PUBLIC HEALTH expert has warned that a growing interest in collecting wild mushrooms may not be matched by a sufficient awareness of the risk of poisoning from consuming such fungi.
“There is currently no established coordination system of surveillance, public information and advice. Roles and responsibilities for undertaking this are unclear,” he added.In a new report published by the Health Protection Surveillance Unit, Hamilton said the Amanita genus of mushrooms, which is one of the most toxic type of fungi in the world, flourishes in Ireland and is commonly found growing around broad-leaved trees.
He advised anyone who suspected they may be suffering poisoning from consuming a wild mushroom to retain a sample of the suspect fungi so that it can be identified by an expert.
Why take the chance?