‘Disastrous consequences': Toxic death cap mushrooms found littered throughout NSW prompt grim health warning from authorities
Authorities have pleaded with members of the public not to forage or consume wild mushrooms after the notorious death cap variety was identified in numerous regions throughout New South Wales.
The highly poisonous fungi, Amanita phalloides, more commonly known as death cap mushrooms, have been detected by health officials in numerous densely populated areas of the state including Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Southern NSW.
NSW Health in a statement warned residents of the extreme dangers posed by the fungi, and that as little as one mushroom could prove fatal if ingested.
NSW Poisons Information Centre's Senior Specialist Genevieve Adamo said that symptoms from the fungi are initially difficult to detect, and that early intervention is crucial.
'Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can sometimes be delayed, but early treatment is vital to health outcomes," Ms Adamo said.
'These include vomiting and diarrhoea, and in severe cases, liver and kidney damage or death.'
Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Professor Brett Summerell, stressed that identifying the difference between an edible wild mushroom and the death cap were almost impossible.
'There is no easy or reliable way to identify if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so we advise people against foraging for, and eating, wild mushrooms,' Professor Summerell said.
'Cooking poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe to eat.
"You should only eat mushrooms you buy from a reputable grocery store, supermarket or produce market,' Professor Summerell reiterated.
The alert follows a drastic rise in mushroom poisonings throughout the state, with 23 people hospitalised in 2024 due to toxic mushroom ingestion, including two children under five.
The NSW Poisons Information Centre revealed they had received 363 calls about wild mushroom consumption incidents in NSW and the ACT, a 26 per cent increase on 2023 statistics.
There have already been 190 calls to the centre reporting poisonous mushroom sightings as of May 31.
Ms Adamo said young people were particularly susceptible to the effects of the deadly mushroom and advised parents to closely supervise their children.
'As young children have a tendency to put things in their mouths, they can be at risk,' said Ms Adamo.
'Watch your children when they are playing outside, especially around large trees in parks or your garden at home where mushrooms may grow.
'With the identification of highly poisonous death cap mushrooms in NSW it is a warning that there can be disastrous consequences from eating wild mushrooms' the NSW Health statement read.
NSW Health and local council authorities have been conducted regular surveillance operations for death cap mushrooms after the variety was first identified in the state two years ago in Southern NSW.
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ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
Spread of death cap mushrooms sparks health warning in NSW
People in New South Wales are being warned against eating wild mushrooms following the spread of death cap mushrooms in the state. NSW Health and local councils have detected the poisonous fungi spreading in Sydney, the Southern Highlands and southern NSW. It follows two years of surveillance by the health department and councils after an initial detection of the mushrooms in the state's south. Death cap mushrooms, also known as Amanita phalloides, can be fatal if consumed. Brett Summerell, chief scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, said the rise could be attributed to a spread in where they are being found and "particularly good rainfall" helping growth conditions. "I certainly think that people are more interested in foraging for wild mushrooms," Dr Summerell said. "That results in people heading out into the bush or into paddocks or whatever, thinking they know what they're getting and not really knowing what they're getting." Last year, 23 people were hospitalised for eating mushrooms. Two of these hospitalisations were children under the age of five. The NSW Poisons Information Centre also responded to 363 calls for exposures to wild mushrooms in NSW and ACT that same year. This was an increase of 26 per cent compared to 2023. There have been 190 calls so far in 2025. Genevieve Adamo, a senior specialist in poisons information at the NSW Poisons Information Centre, said death cap mushrooms can be lethal. "Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can sometimes be delayed, but early treatment is vital to health outcomes," she said. Consumption of the fungi can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, eating the mushrooms could result in liver, kidney damage or death. Ms Adamo recommended parents with young children remove any wild mushrooms growing in their yard. Dr Summerell urged people to not forage or eat wild mushrooms because it was "quite difficult" to tell the "good ones from the bad ones". He said cooking poisonous mushrooms also did not make them safe to consume. Dr Summerell does not believe foraging is likely linked to cost-of-living concerns due to the locations being difficult to get to and high transport costs to get there. "I think it is more likely people have an interest … thinking they're going to get something exotic and particular — flavours and tastes that they're unlikely to get [elsewhere]," he said. "The level of interest has increased both for good and bad reasons, and people are wanting to have these experiences. "Which if it works out is fine, but if you pick the wrong thing it's definitely not going to be the case."
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Sky News AU
‘Disastrous consequences': Toxic death cap mushrooms found littered throughout NSW prompt grim health warning from authorities
Authorities have pleaded with members of the public not to forage or consume wild mushrooms after the notorious death cap variety was identified in numerous regions throughout New South Wales. The highly poisonous fungi, Amanita phalloides, more commonly known as death cap mushrooms, have been detected by health officials in numerous densely populated areas of the state including Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Southern NSW. NSW Health in a statement warned residents of the extreme dangers posed by the fungi, and that as little as one mushroom could prove fatal if ingested. NSW Poisons Information Centre's Senior Specialist Genevieve Adamo said that symptoms from the fungi are initially difficult to detect, and that early intervention is crucial. 'Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can sometimes be delayed, but early treatment is vital to health outcomes," Ms Adamo said. 'These include vomiting and diarrhoea, and in severe cases, liver and kidney damage or death.' Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Professor Brett Summerell, stressed that identifying the difference between an edible wild mushroom and the death cap were almost impossible. 'There is no easy or reliable way to identify if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so we advise people against foraging for, and eating, wild mushrooms,' Professor Summerell said. 'Cooking poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe to eat. "You should only eat mushrooms you buy from a reputable grocery store, supermarket or produce market,' Professor Summerell reiterated. The alert follows a drastic rise in mushroom poisonings throughout the state, with 23 people hospitalised in 2024 due to toxic mushroom ingestion, including two children under five. The NSW Poisons Information Centre revealed they had received 363 calls about wild mushroom consumption incidents in NSW and the ACT, a 26 per cent increase on 2023 statistics. There have already been 190 calls to the centre reporting poisonous mushroom sightings as of May 31. Ms Adamo said young people were particularly susceptible to the effects of the deadly mushroom and advised parents to closely supervise their children. 'As young children have a tendency to put things in their mouths, they can be at risk,' said Ms Adamo. 'Watch your children when they are playing outside, especially around large trees in parks or your garden at home where mushrooms may grow. 'With the identification of highly poisonous death cap mushrooms in NSW it is a warning that there can be disastrous consequences from eating wild mushrooms' the NSW Health statement read. NSW Health and local council authorities have been conducted regular surveillance operations for death cap mushrooms after the variety was first identified in the state two years ago in Southern NSW.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Residents warned after toxic mushrooms detected
A deadly mushroom with no known antidote has been found growing in parts of NSW, prompting urgent warnings from health authorities. Amanita phalloides, commonly known as death cap mushrooms, have recently been identified in Sydney, the Southern Highlands and southern NSW. NSW Health is urging residents not to pick or eat wild mushrooms, warning that even a small amount of the highly toxic variety can be fatal. NSW Poisons Information Centre senior specialist Genevieve Adamo said consuming even a small amount could be fatal. 'Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can sometimes be delayed, but early treatment is vital to health outcomes,' Ms Adamo said. 'Initial symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhoea, but in severe cases, it can lead to liver and kidney damage or even death.' Last year, 23 people were hospitalised in NSW due to mushroom poisoning, including two children under the age of five. The NSW Poisons Information Centre also responded to 363 calls related to wild mushroom exposure in NSW and the ACT in 2024, a 26 per cent rise on the previous year. As of May 31 this year, 190 calls had already been received. Botanic Gardens of Sydney chief scientist Brett Summerell warned that foragers should not trust their ability to identify edible mushrooms in the wild. 'There is no easy or reliable way to identify if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous,' Professor Summerell said. 'Cooking poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe to eat. 'You should only eat mushrooms you buy from a reputable grocery store, supermarket or produce market.' Health authorities say the risks are particularly high for young children, who may unknowingly put mushrooms in their mouths while playing outside. 'Watch your children when they are playing outside, especially around large trees in parks or your garden at home where mushrooms may grow,' Ms Adamo said. 'Remove any mushrooms that may grow to keep your children safe.' NSW Health and local councils have been conducting ongoing surveillance since the initial detection of death caps in the region two years ago. Anyone who suspects they or someone else has consumed a wild mushroom should immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, even if symptoms are not yet present. In an emergency, call triple-0 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department. If possible, bring a sample of the mushroom or a photo to assist with identification.
