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Warning issued over poisonous wild mushrooms

The FSAI is advising people not to eat any part of a mushroom found in the wild
The FSAI is advising people not to eat any part of a mushroom found in the wild

There have been 18 cases of poisoning related to wild mushrooms, involving seven adults and 11 children, so far this year.

The figures have been released by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to coincide with the start of the foraging season.

There has also been an increase in inquiries to the National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland in relation to wild mushroom consumption.

The FSAI has strongly advised people not to eat any part of a mushroom found in the wild without first seeking the advice of an expert mushroom forager.

It warned of the serious risks posed by poisonous mushrooms and, in particular, the need for parents and guardians to ensure children do not consume wild mushrooms that may be growing in gardens or fields.

In 2013, 19 cases of poisoning related to wild mushrooms were notified to the centre, involving seven adults and 12 children.