South Australian health authorities have issued a stern warning against the collection and consumption of wild mushrooms, due to the emergence of potentially lethal varieties in certain regions of the state, particularly noted within the Adelaide Hills.
The onset of the fungi season has been triggered by recent cooler weather and rains, despite an overall low rainfall this year.
The caution comes as the infamous Death Cap mushrooms, scientifically named Amanita phalloides, have been identified in several areas in the Hills. Known for their extreme toxicity, even small quantities of these mushrooms can be fatal upon consumption. The Death Cap is particularly deceptive as it can easily be mistaken for edible varieties, raising serious concerns for foragers.
Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, highlighted the dangers of wild mushrooms.
“There is no reliable way of telling if a wild mushroom is safe to eat, and you can’t tell if a mushroom is poisonous by its taste or if an animal has eaten it,” she stated. This underscores the risks associated with the misleading appearances of deadly fungi.
The risk is notably high for children and pets, who may unknowingly pick and ingest these mushrooms while outdoors. Authorities urge supervising adults to remain vigilant and to educate young ones about the hazards of unknown mushrooms.
Mushroom poisoning is a serious concern, with symptoms that only appear after a delay, potentially up to 24 hours after ingestion. Initial symptoms include severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, but these can escalate to life-threatening liver failure depending on the species of mushroom consumed. Immediate medical intervention is crucial and can be lifesaving.
The Poisons Information Centre has been an essential resource in cases of suspected poisoning, offering critical guidance and support. In 2024, around 100 calls related to mushroom poisoning were made to the Centre, reflecting a 16 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. However, the figures remain concerning with 23 of these cases requiring hospitalisation.
Statistics from the Poisons Information Centre reveal that children under the age of five are especially vulnerable, representing approximately 46 per cent of the calls made last year about mushroom poisoning. This statistic reinforces the need for increased awareness and caution among parents and guardians.
Health officials advise against picking mushrooms in the wild under any circumstances due to the difficulty in distinguishing between safe and poisonous varieties. They advocate purchasing mushrooms only from reputable sources such as supermarkets or green-grocers.
For those seeking more information on mushroom poisoning, resources and advice are available on the SA Health website. It is important for the public to educate themselves about the potential hazards and to take preventive measures seriously to avoid the risks associated with wild mushrooms.
WHAT: Potentially lethal mushroom varieties in Adelaide Hills
For the SA Health website, click here.
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