Health experts have warned of a Death Cap mushroom (Amanita Phalloides) in Canberra, which is a deadly poisonous fungus that can cause death when ingested.
According to the ACT health, an organisation that provides diverse health care services, It can be extremely difficult for even experienced collectors to distinguish Death Cap mushrooms from an edible mushroom.
People should not pick or eat wild mushrooms, and should talk to their families, friends and neighbours about the dangers of Death Cap mushrooms. Cooking Death Cap mushrooms does not make them safe.
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly said Death Cap mushrooms could be lethal if ingested.
“It is crucial for people to understand that all parts of the mushroom are poisonous and cooking them does not make them safe to eat,” he said.
There have been multiple incidents and fatalities associated with Death Cap mushrooms.
Dr Kelly urged Canberrans and anyone visiting Canberra not to pick or eat any wild mushrooms, and to purchase all mushrooms from a reputable supplier.
The mushroom often grow near established oak trees, and are found when there is warm, wet weather. In Canberra this usually occurs in autumn but there is no specific mushroom season.
Death cap mushrooms often grow near established oak trees and can be found when there is wet weather.
