Mushroom: 7 good actions to avoid poisoning

Mushroom season started earlier this year due to rainy weather in August. Unfortunately, this early arrival is accompanied by an increase in reported poisonings compared to last year. ANSES thus reminds of the good practices to follow.

Mushroom: an increase in poisonings observed in August

ANSES warns fans of forest walks and fruit picking mushrooms. “Since August 1, 2023, poisonings reported to the Centers Antipoison increase: more than 250 cases have already been recorded, twice as many as in 2022.indicates the organism in a communicated published on September 2, 2023.

According to the organization, several causes are responsible for poisoning linked to the consumption of mushrooms. The confusion between an edible species and a toxic species is one of the main reasons “sometimes due to the use of a mushroom recognition application on a smartphone giving incorrect identification of the mushrooms picked”warns ANSES. In addition, eating edible mushrooms that are in poor condition, poorly stored or insufficiently cooked can also lead to poisoning.

The increase in cases of poisoning linked to mushrooms highlights the importance of being vigilant when picking and taking the necessary measures to avoid poisoning.

Mushroom picking: good actions to follow

To avoid poisoning linked to mushroom picking, it is essential to follow a few good actions. It is recommended :

• Born pick only the mushrooms that we know perfectly: “some highly toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible species“, warns ANSES.
• Of have your harvest checked by a specialist in case of doubt.
• Born never feed picked mushrooms to young children: children are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of mushrooms.
• Avoid consuming products identified using a mushroom recognition application on a smartphone, due to the high risk of error.
• To expect a wicker basket, a box or a cardboard box to place the mushrooms: It is not recommended to use plastic bags, they accelerate rotting.
• Opt for a container that is sufficiently big to separate the different species: this helps avoid mixing pieces of poisonous mushrooms with edible ones;
• Choose a picking location far from polluted sites: as these vegetables easily absorb pollutants, you should avoid collecting mushrooms from roadsides, industrial areas, landfills or even pastures.

Back home, wash your hands and take a photo of the harvest before cooking. In the event of poisoning, this will make it possible to identify the fungus responsible for the problems and decide on the appropriate treatment. By following these precautions, it is possible to enjoy mushroom picking safely.

Between July 1 and December 31, 2022, 1,923 poisonings were reported to Poison Control Centers. Although the number of poisonings is higher than in previous years (1,269 in 2021)the number of serious cases was down slightly. There were 37 cases instead of 41 a year earlier and two deaths instead of 4.