The fall had barely started when 181 cases of poisoning linked to the consumption of mushrooms were reported to the poison control and toxicovigilance centers. Faced with the increase in the number of cases, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) are reminding pickers of good practices to be observed in order to avoid stocking. Indeed, the health consequences of this type of poisoning can be serious (severe digestive disorders, liver damage that may require a transplant), even fatal. Five serious cases have been recorded since July 2017.
The right actions in the forest
Mushroom lovers, never forget that these little woodland dwellers can be poisonous! Accordingly, it is necessary to never forget:
-to collect only perfectly known mushrooms: some of them, highly toxic, closely resemble edible species;
– at the slightest doubt about the condition or identification of one of the mushrooms harvested, not to consume the harvest before having it checked by a specialist (pharmacists or associations and regional mycology societies, for example);
-to pick only the specimens in good condition and to remove the whole of the fungus (stem and cap), in order to allow identification;
– to separate the harvested mushrooms by species to avoid mixing pieces of poisonous mushrooms with edible mushrooms;
– wash your hands thoroughly after harvesting;
– never offer picked mushrooms to young children, pregnant women or fragile people, if doubts persist about their edibility and if they have not been identified by a specialist.
Mushroom poisoning can be dangerous
Symptoms associated with consuming toxic mushrooms (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, tremors, dizziness, visual disturbances, etc.) can occur up to 12 hours after consumption and the intoxicated person’s condition can quickly worsen.
“The health consequences of this type of poisoning can be serious (severe digestive disorders, kidney complications, liver damage that may require a transplant), even fatal. They result, in the majority of cases, from confusion with other edible fungi, ”recalls the Agency.
In case of poisoning, immediately call your regional poison control center or “15”, and specify that you have eaten mushrooms.
In the age of technology, think about the useful reflex: photograph your harvest before cooking! The photo will be useful to the pharmacist or the doctor of the poison control center in case of poisoning, to decide on the appropriate treatment.
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