The essentials
Nearly 700 poisonings recorded this season; guidance stresses collecting only known species and seeking urgent help for symptoms.
Reported figures show nearly 700 mushroom poisonings so far this season, while more than 1,300 cases were recorded in 2025. That year also saw one death linked to poisoning and three patients who received liver transplants.
The main causes of poisoning have been identified, and the illness can cause severe health complications. Anyone who develops symptoms after eating foraged mushrooms should contact poison control urgently.
The guidance for foragers is consistent. They should collect only mushrooms they know well and have uncertain harvests checked by a pharmacist or a mycology association. Smartphone identification apps can produce misidentifications that lead to poisoning, so they should not be relied on alone. Foraged mushrooms should never be given to young children, and mushrooms should be cooked for at least 20 minutes before consumption.
The available information does not give a breakdown of causes, and the current season's total is not yet a full-year figure, so it cannot be directly compared with 2025.
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Season count reaches about half of 2025's total so far
Nearly 700 cases this season stand against more than 1,300 recorded across 2025. The current figure is not yet a full-year total, so the final comparison remains unknown. The 2025 figures also included one death and three liver transplants, showing that outcomes can be serious.
Foragers urged to verify species before eating any harvest
The guidance centres on caution: collect only mushrooms already known well, and have uncertain harvests checked by a pharmacist or mycology association. Smartphone identification apps can produce misidentifications, and foraged mushrooms should never be given to young children. Urgent contact with poison control is advised if symptoms appear after eating.