From FOOD SAFETY NEWS Wild, edible mushrooms are a delectable
treat but California issued a warning earlier this week to
people who forage for them. Mistakes in wild mushroom
identification can result in serious illness and even death,
cautions Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department
of Public Health (CDPH) and State Public Health Officer. “It is
very difficult to distinguish which mushrooms are dangerous and
which are safe to eat. Therefore, we recommend that wild
mushrooms not be eaten unless they have been carefully examined
and determined to be edible by a mushroom expert,” Chapman said.
Wild mushroom poisoning continues to cause disease,
hospitalization and death among California residents. According
to the California Poison Control System (CPCS), 1,748 cases of
mushroom ingestion were reported statewide in 2009-2010. Among
those cases: - Two people died. - Ten people suffered a major
health outcome, such as liver failure leading to coma and/or a
liver transplant, or kidney failure requiri