With the return of the sun and spring, be careful with confusion between edible plants and toxic plants. The National Agency for the Health of Food, Environmental and Labor (ANSE) is warned against the amalgam that is often carried out during this period of the year between garlic and colchic bears.
If the first plant is delicious in pesto, in salad or in a quiche, be careful with the second that, on the other hand, cannot be consumed without risking severe intoxication.
In a press release published on Monday, April 7, the ANSES specifies that confusion is more extended in April in the east of the country and in Auverne-Rhône-Alpes. It is at this time that, before flowering, the leaves of the two plants are very similar.
Two deaths between 2020 and 2022
According to ANSES figures, there were 28 cases of collid poisoning between 2020 and 2022. Among them, two people died.
But then how to explain this phenomenon? The Colchic is in the same weeds as the garlic of bears and their leaves are similar before the appearance of small flowers. It is precisely these leaves that, when consumed, can be problematic.
The ANS specify that some people also confuse the garlic of the bears with the wild leek, even with other plants that can, such as the mat, be toxic. Therefore, the 127 cases of poisoning after the “probable consumption of a toxic plant taken for garlic bears are added to the 28 cases of poisoning,” details the press release.
Recognize garlic bears
On its website, Anses lists the precautions that will be taken before consuming a plant that supposedly identifies as garlic. Precautions that need to be followed, even for confirmed collectors.
- Photograph the plant ingested to allow the possible subsequent diagnosis of poisoning
- The bear garlic sheet has a strong smell of garlic once wrinkled
- Avoid choosing a plant for beer elaboration, prefer to collect for stems
- You do not give way to doubt and avoid ingesting an unidentified plant with certainty
- If an unpleasant taste or a bitter amazement, stop consumption
In case of symptoms (vomiting, abundant diarrhea, severe dehydration, hypotension, abnormal fall of hair and abnormal blood balance) that can suggest colractic poisoning (immediately after a meal until a few hours later):
Communicate quickly with the Antipoto closer to you, contact a doctor or mark the number of Medical emergencies at 15.
Source: BFM TV
