Victorians are being urged to exercise caution as poisonous mushrooms begin appearing across the state with the arrival of cooler, wetter autumn conditions.
Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong has warned people not to pick or eat wild mushrooms found in home gardens or public areas, saying they can be highly toxic and potentially deadly.
“Adults and children are advised not to handle wild mushrooms with bare hands or eat them, and pets should be kept away from areas where mushrooms are growing,” Dr Wong said.
“Eating some wild mushrooms can make you very sick or even kill you.”
Health authorities stress there is no reliable home test to distinguish safe mushrooms from poisonous varieties, and unless people are expert foragers, all wild mushrooms should be avoided.
Species such as death cap mushrooms and yellow-staining mushrooms are more commonly found in Victoria during autumn and winter, particularly after rainfall.
Residents are also being advised to remove wild mushrooms from home gardens to reduce risks to children and pets. This should be done using gloves, placing mushrooms in a sealed bag and disposing of them in general waste, followed by thorough handwashing.
Victorians are strongly encouraged to only consume mushrooms purchased from supermarkets, greengrocers or other reputable retailers.
The Victorian Poisons Information Centre received more than 400 calls relating to mushroom exposures in 2025, with nearly half involving young children under five exploring their surroundings.
Authorities warn poisoning can occur in anyone who consumes wild mushrooms, and immediate action is essential if exposure is suspected.
“If you or anyone in your care may have eaten a wild mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to develop,” Dr Wong said.
“Call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre immediately on 131126 for advice.”
Common symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, ingestion of death cap mushrooms can cause irreversible organ failure and death.
In emergencies where symptoms are severe, including significant gastrointestinal illness, Victorians are advised to call triple zero (000) immediately for an ambulance.
