More than 600 cases of poisoning mushroomCases have already been recorded in France since July 1, 2023, health authorities announced this Monday. Every year, in October, the Health Security Agency (ANSES) observes a peak in poisonings, recalling the figures recorded by the Poison Centers.
These poisonings are due to several causes: “confusion of an edible species with a toxic species, sometimes due to the use of a mushroom recognition application on a smartphone that allows incorrect identification of the collected mushrooms, or even the consumption of Edible mushrooms in poor condition, poorly preserved or insufficiently cooked.
A rising figure
Between July 1 and December 31, 2022, 1,923 poisonings were reported to Poison Control Centers. A figure higher than in previous years (1,269 in 2021) but with a slightly lower number of serious cases: 37 high severity cases, including two deaths (compared to 41 serious cases and four deaths in 2021).
Of the 1,923 poisonings, 30 people had used recognition applications on smartphones.
Additionally, although it is not recommended to serve wild-picked mushrooms, 74 young children were poisoned, including an 11-month-old baby who suffered from severe hepatitis that required intensive care.
If in doubt, consult a specialist.
To avoid accidents, ANSES, the Toxicology Centers and the General Directorate of Health remind us that it is important to collect only mushrooms that we know perfectly well, because some, which are highly toxic, look very similar to edible species.
If there is the slightest doubt about the identification of any of the collected mushrooms, health authorities recommend not consuming it before having it checked by a specialist in the field: pharmacist or mycology school.
They also remind us that foraged mushrooms should never be given to young children and that mushrooms identified using a smartphone recognition app should not be consumed, due to the high risk of error.
Source: BFM TV
