City of Long Beach Health Department Advises Against Consuming Wild, Foraged Mushrooms

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Toxic death cap mushrooms ((Amanita Phalloides) in various stages of development. Source: California Department of Public Health

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) is urging residents not to forage for or consume wild mushrooms due to the risk of amatoxin poisoning. While no hospitalizations have been reported in Long Beach, recent poisonings in other parts of California highlight the danger of consuming wild mushrooms.

Certain toxic, wild mushrooms, including the death cap (Amanita phalloides), closely resemble edible varieties in both appearance and taste. These mushrooms are especially common in fall and winter, often growing near oak and pine trees after rainfall. Cooking, boiling, drying or freezing does not make them safe to eat.

Symptoms of poisoning typically begin 6 to 24 hours after ingestion of these toxic mushrooms, and may include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration

While symptoms often subside within a day, this temporary improvement can be misleading, as serious or even fatal liver damage may develop within 48 to 96 hours after consuming the mushroom. Children and pets are especially at risk. Keep them away from areas where wild mushrooms grow.

Anyone who may have eaten a wild mushroom should seek medical care immediately or call the California Poison Control Hotline at 1.800.222.1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear as early treatment is critical. The hotline operates 24/7 and can also assist medical providers in ensuring proper treatment.

Residents are strongly advised to only eat mushrooms purchased from trusted grocery stores or retailers.

The Health Department is monitoring the situation through disease surveillance and coordination with local healthcare providers and the California Department of Public Health.

For more information, visit California Department of Public Health at go.cdhp.ca.gov/poisonmushrooms. Media inquiries may be directed to the Health Department's Public Affairs Office at [email protected].

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