Mushroom picking: the recommendations of the mycological control centers arrive, especially close to the Christmas holidays.
The mycological control centers or mycological inspectors are set up within the Prevention Department of the Lecce ASL and in the Food and Nutrition Hygiene Services (SIAN) North Area (Lecce) and South Area (Maglie): they carry out their institutional activity in the field of the prevention of mushroom poisoning.
They are responsible for the control of spontaneous fresh mushrooms intended for direct consumption (self-consumption), the edibility certification of spontaneous fresh mushrooms intended for retail sale and / or administration in catering and / or gastronomy establishments, support and advice to hospitals and general practitioners in case of intoxication from ingestion of poisonous mushrooms, health education with participation in training courses on the subject.
In fact, every year most of the poisoning from consumption of fresh spontaneous epigeal mushrooms is caused by the consumption of uncontrolled mushrooms or by mushrooms collected in unsuitable places or by edible mushrooms but cooked inadequately.
Therefore, the Mycological Control Centers (CCM) of the ASL of Lecce recommend that citizens strictly follow these simple but fundamental rules:
1. Do not consume mushrooms if they have not been checked first by a mycologist of the ASL;
2. Consume it in moderate quantities;
3. Do not give to children;
4. Do not eat them when you are pregnant;
5. Consume only mushrooms in perfect condition;
6. Eat well cooked mushrooms and chew them properly;
7. Blanch the mushrooms before freezing and consume them within six months;
8. Do not consume mushrooms collected along the roads, near industrial centers and cultivated fields;
9. Do not give away the collected mushrooms, unless checked by an ASL mycologist;
10. Pay attention to home preservation: botulinum toxin can develop in mushrooms in oil.
At the Mycological Control Centers (CCM), during the opening hours to the public, it is also possible: to have the edibility of the spontaneous epigean mushrooms collected free of charge; receive more appropriate advice for safe harvesting, on how to treat mushrooms before consumption (cleaning, which parts not to consume, cooking times, advice for proper storage, etc.).
The Mycological Control Center (CCM) of the Food and Nutrition Hygiene Service (SIAN) North Area is located in Lecce, in viale Don Minzoni 6/8, Palazzo ex Inam (first floor room 66) directed by Dr. Biagio Galante, is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 12.30 to 13.30, tel. 0832/215392 and fax 0832/215398.
The Mycological Control Center (CCM) of the South Area Food and Nutrition Hygiene Service (SIAN), directed by Dr. Martino Protopapa, is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 8 to 9, and carries out its activity in three locations:
Maglie, via Sante Cezza 5 (Pta headquarters), email: [email protected]
Casarano: Via Spagna (headquarters of the socio-health district), email: [email protected]
Gallipoli, Lungomare Marconi (former hospital).
During 2020, the mycological centers of the ASL issued you 85 mushroom control certifications intended for sale, 136 mushroom control certifications intended for direct consumption, 56 mushroom control certifications intended for destruction, and 8 consultations were carried out in the emergency room for cases of intoxication caused by fungi. In 2020, 230 people were trained to become occasional / professional collectors in the courses for the issue of the card.
We remind you that mushroom picking, both for professional and amateur purposes, is reserved for holders of the “harvesting permit”, issued or renewed by the Municipalities after attending a compulsory training or refresher course.
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