California Health Officials Warn Against Wild Mushroom Foraging Following Poisoning Cases
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California health officials are urgently advising residents to avoid foraging for wild mushrooms,following a recent outbreak of poisonings across the state. Cases have been reported in central California’s Monterey County and the San Francisco Bay Area, prompting warnings that the risk extends statewide. The surge in illnesses is linked to the growth of highly toxic mushrooms,including the death cap and ”destroying angel” varieties,fueled by recent wet weather.
The danger lies in the difficulty of distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as toxic varieties can closely resemble safe ones in appearance and even taste. Experts emphasize that color is not a reliable indicator of toxicity, and cooking does not eliminate the risk. Nationwide, America’s Poison Centers logged over 4,500 cases of mushroom exposure in 2023, with roughly half involving young children. While initial symptoms like stomach cramping and nausea may subside, officials caution that serious complications, such as liver damage, can develop later.
California’s poison control system typically handles hundreds of wild mushroom poisoning cases annually. Symptoms typically appear within 24 hours of ingestion. Anyone suspecting mushroom poisoning is urged to contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.Health officials stress that even advancement in initial gastrointestinal symptoms does not guarantee a patient is out of danger and medical attention should be sought promptly.
