Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath has issued an alert to all Victorians in relation to poisonous mushrooms growing in the state during autumn.
Dr McGrath said poisonous mushrooms – including the death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms – appear in Victoria during autumn as the weather becomes wetter and cooler.
Consuming even a single death cap mushroom may result in death.
Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.
He said there is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms, but that mushrooms purchased from a supermarket, greengrocer or other reputable source are safe to eat.
Dr McGrath recommends removing any mushrooms growing in home gardens as young children and pets can easily eat them.
If you suspect you or anyone in your care may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur.
Call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia wide)