title: The safety of edible fungi purchased at Melbourne markets.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria. jeff.robinson@rch.org.au
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Dawson S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: MacLeod
authors.forename: David McD
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lebel
authors.forename: Tom W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: May
mesh_terms: 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