The safety of edible fungi purchased at Melbourne markets.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if toxic mushroom species are sold at Melbourne fruit and vegetable markets.


METHODS
We purchased a specimen of every mushroom on sale at six large Melbourne markets on four separate days evenly spread during the period April to June, 2005. These specimens were identified by a specialist mycologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.


RESULTS
Ten edible mushroom species, but no toxic species, were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Mushrooms purchased from Melbourne markets appear to be safe.


CONCLUSIONS
While this study provides no evidence that public health is at risk from mushrooms sold at Melbourne markets, it has important limitations. Ongoing periodic surveillance is warranted.
Robinson
Jeffrey P
JP
Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria. jeff.robinson@rch.org.au
MacLeod
Dawson S
DS
Taylor
David McD
DM
Lebel
Teresa
T
May
Tom W
TW
D000363:Agaricales; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D005515:Food Labeling; D005522:Food Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009145:Mushroom Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D014739:Victoria