The death cap (Amanita phalloides) - A Poisonous Wild Mushroom

Aug. 17, 2023
The death cap (Amanita phalloides)

It was recently reported that an Australian woman unknowingly served relatives a lunch of beef Wellington using dried poisonous mushrooms. The dried mushrooms are thought to be "death cap" (Amanita phalloides) mushrooms, which are deadly. The incident resulted in three deaths and one individual in critical condition. Although the investigation is still ongoing, police suspect the consumption of the “death cap” mushroom was the cause of victims’ food poisoning and eventual death.      

The death cap (Amanita phalloides) | Adobe Stock # 537833104  As a reminder to consumers, several dangerous mushrooms exist, whether in the state of Victoria (Australia) or here in Ohio (United States). Do not forage for wild mushrooms unless you have extensive training in mushroom identification. If you buy mushrooms, purchase them from reputable sources.  

The following is a brief overview of wild mushrooms in Ohio: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-gen-11 

 

News summary: 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/09/australia-poisonous-mush...

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-66495707