Alert over wild mushrooms in France: 400 cases of intoxication since July

French health officials have highlighted the risks of intoxication from eating wild mushrooms, with 400 cases of poisoning reported since July 1.

Health and safety body Anses is urging the public to remain vigilant and follow the recommended guidelines for safe consumption as the season for mushroom picking (October-November) begins.

Read more: Six tasty autumn mushrooms you can find in French forests

Symptoms of intoxication

Poisoning can lead to serious health complications.

Of the 1,482 cases of mushroom poisoning recorded in France between July and December 2023, 23 were considered very serious although there were no associated deaths recorded. Last year 600 cases were recorded from July 1 – October 16, 2023.

The most common symptoms of poisoning included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you suspect you have been poisoned, you should seek immediate medical advice.

Guidelines for safe mushroom consumption

Intoxication is often due to lack of analysis before consumption or from eating mushrooms in poor condition which have been unsuitably preserved or undercooked.

Anses, poison control centres, and health authority Direction générale de la santé (DGS) have issued advice for safe mushroom picking.

They recommend only picking mushrooms you can ‘perfectly’ identify. Any doubts should be checked by a fungi specialist, such as a pharmacist or member of a mycological association.

Avoid relying on smartphone apps for mushroom recognition as the risk of error is increased.

In addition, France’s National Forests Office recommends other points to safeguard nature:

• Only filling a 5L basket per person, per day
• Respecting the natural humus (decayed organic matter in the surrounding soil)
• Picking the entire mushroom, including the stalk, to help identify the species
• Seeking a professional opinion if in doubt

The most frequently identified toxic species include Agaricus xanthodermus (Yellow Stainer), Macrolepiota venenata, Rubroboletus legaliae and Rubroboletus satanas (Devil’s Bolete).