‘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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