Don't trust a snail just because it eats it: Deadly mushroom trap in the forest

Sakarya Applied Sciences University (SUBÜ) Pamukova Vocational School Head of Food Processing Department, Prof. stated that the traditional methods used among the public to determine whether the mushroom is poisonous or not have no scientific validity. Dr. Hamza Bozkır stated that misdiagnoses can lead to fatal consequences and that it may be healthier to consume cultivated mushrooms instead of collecting them from nature.

"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETECT TOXIN BY TASTE OR SMELL TEST"

Referring to the misconceptions among the public, Prof. Dr. Hamza Bozkır said, "Mushrooms consumed by insects and snails can also be fatal to humans. For example, mushrooms such as Amanita phalloides, which contain deadly toxins for humans, can be easily consumed by snails and insects. Because the physiology of these creatures is different from human metabolism. The darkening of the mushroom when cooked with a silver spoon or onion does not indicate that it is poisonous. This is a chemical reaction that occurs as a result of the contact of some enzymes in the mushroom with oxygen. Mushrooms that taste good or have a pleasant smell are also poisonous." "It is impossible to detect toxin by taste or smell test," he said.

DRAW ATTENTION TO POISONOUS MUSHROOM SPECIES

Providing information about the poisonous mushroom species that can be encountered in Sakarya forests, Bozkır said, "Amanita phalloides (evcikkiran) is responsible for a large portion of deaths due to mushroom poisoning in Türkiye. It generally grows in oak and chestnut forests. Its cap color can vary from olive green to yellow and can be confused with some edible mushroom species. Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) is known for the white spots on its red cap and contains hallucinogenic and neurotoxic compounds. "Omphalotus olearius (false alder mushroom) grows in clusters around tree roots and wood residues. This species, which can be confused with some edible mushrooms due to its color, can cause serious health problems when consumed."

DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY APPEARANCE

Explaining that the formal similarities of mushrooms can lead to incorrect diagnoses and that over-reliance on traditional knowledge poses a risk, Bozkır said, "Correct classification of mushrooms is a field of expertise that requires microscopic examinations, spore colors, lamellar structures and, when necessary, chemical tests. Citizens acting with the thought 'my grandfather used to collect this too' may cause the continuation of misinformation passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, not knowing the type of mushroom consumed in poisoning cases or not having a sample on hand may delay the application of the correct treatment in hospitals."

"NO TASTE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN HUMAN LIFE"

Stating that wild mushroom poisoning causes serious consequences, Bozkır said, "Every wild mushroom whose safety has not been clearly established in terms of food safety carries a potential toxic risk. In amateur collecting, the 'definitely do not touch' rule should apply instead of the 'throw away if in doubt' rule. Compensation for wild mushroom poisoning often results in liver or kidney transplantation or even death. No flavor or nature activity is more valuable than human life. The need for mushrooms should be met from reliable sales points with certain production standards, instead of products collected from nature." he warned.