NSW Health is warning people about the health risks of eating wild mushrooms as poisonous death cap mushrooms, have been found growing in NSW.
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as death cap mushrooms, have been recently detected growing in Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Southern NSW.
NSW Poisons Information Centre’s Senior Specialist, Genevieve Adamo, said death cap mushrooms can be deadly if eaten.
“Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can sometimes be delayed, but early treatment is vital to health outcomes, Ms Adamo said.
“These include vomiting and diarrhoea, and in severe cases, liver and kidney damage or death.”
Professor Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist, Botanic Gardens of Sydney warned that identifying whether a wild mushroom is safe to eat is extremely difficult.
“There is no easy or reliable way to identify if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so we advise people against foraging for, and eating, wild mushrooms,” Professor Summerell said.
“Cooking poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe to eat.
“You should only eat mushrooms you buy from a reputable grocery store, supermarket or produce market.”
In 2024, there were 23 hospitalisations for the toxic effect of ingested mushrooms, two of these in children aged under five years.
In the same year, the NSW Poisons Information Centre responded to 363 calls regarding exposures to wild mushrooms in NSW and ACT, an increase of 26 per cent compared to 2023.
So far this year (to 31 May 2025), there have been 190 calls.
With the identification of highly poisonous death cap mushrooms in NSW it is a warning that there can be disastrous consequences from eating wild mushrooms.
“As young children have a tendency to put things in their mouths, they can be at risk,” said Ms Adamo.
“Watch your children when they are playing outside, especially around large trees in parks or your garden at home where mushrooms may grow.
“Remove any mushrooms that may grow to keep your children safe.”
NSW Health and local councils have been conducting ongoing surveillance for death cap mushrooms for the last two years following an initial detection in Southern NSW.
If you worried that mushroom poisoning may have occurred, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) or go to an Emergency Department. If possible, take a sample of the mushroom or a photo to help with identification.
More information on mushroom poisoning can be found at the NSW Health website.