388 cases were indeed reported to poison control and toxicovigilance centers, between July 1 and August 8. Here are the recommendations for pickers.
- Collect only known mushrooms. “Some highly poisonous poisonous mushrooms look a lot like edible species,” health authorities say.
- Always have fungi checked by a mycologist or pharmacist. If there is the slightest doubt about the condition or identification of the mushrooms harvested, they should not be eaten.
- Pick only mushrooms in good condition and in their entirety, from the stem to the cap.
- Avoid polluted sites such as roadsides, industrial areas or landfills.
- In the basket, separate the mushrooms by species. A poisonous fungus can indeed infect others.
- Never store mushrooms in a plastic bag which will speed up rotting.
- Wash hands well after harvest
- Store the mushrooms in the refrigerator and consume them within a maximum of two days after picking.
- Always cook mushrooms before eating them
