Risk of death! Be careful when searching for mushrooms

Refugees especially at risk
If you are looking for mushrooms in the forest, you have to know something. Above all, refugees and asylum seekers should be careful, because in Germany there are some very poisonous species that are very similar to edible mushrooms from other countries and regions, warns the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

An example is the highly poisonous tuberous mushroom, which can easily be confused with the edible egg-seedling from the Mediterranean. Around 80 percent of all deadly fungal poisonings go back to this confusion. The tuber-leaf mushroom grows in deciduous forests and parks from July to October and also looks very similar to the local mushroom. Especially dangerous is that it has no repulsive taste and the symptoms of poisoning occur only after many hours. For adults, a fresh mushroom of 50 g can be fatal, for children about half.

Many mushrooms are not edible and even lethal. Picture: invizbk - fotolia

For the year 2015, the BfR is aware of a total of 27 cases of fungal poisoning, two of which were fatal. Those affected usually react with stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

For your own safety, only mushrooms should be collected that can be clearly identified. With the slightest doubt, the fungus can stand better or contact a counseling center. Even wet, eroded and unsightly specimens do not belong in the basket. If malaise occurs after a mushroom meal, always consult a doctor or the Poison Control Center.
In general, wild mushrooms are only occasionally on the menu. There are two reasons. On the one hand, fungi accumulate heavy metals such as mercury from the soil. On the other hand, depending on the region, wild mushrooms may still be radioactively contaminated as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety advises consumers to eat no more than 200 to 250 grams per week. In children, the consumption should be lower according to their body weight. But against the occasional enjoyment, even in larger quantities, there are no concerns. However, all wild mushrooms must be well-heated before consumption - for two minutes at 70 degrees Celsius. Then they are easier to digest.
Heike Kreutz, aid