What should we do to avoid eating poisonous mushrooms?

The rainy season always brings a fine crop of mushrooms which Lao people like to eat. But some of these mushrooms may be poisonous if they grow in places where there are chemical residues, as well as being naturally toxic. As every year, the authorities are warning people to be extra careful and Vientiane Times asked for opinions on ways to stay safe when eating these seasonal delicacies.
 

Ms Manivone Thanalath, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: Of course, there are many kinds of wild mushroom, some of which are highly toxic. This means it’s important to be able to recognise both edible and unsafe types. In particular, we should be able to distinguish between  those that look very similar but are not necessarily safe to eat. In fact, knowing what not to eat is as important as knowing what to eat, and if something can’t be identified 100 percent, we should leave it alone. I would like to ask the authorities concerned to provide more education on mushrooms, what first aid to administer if someone falls ill, and what allergies to look out for, so that we can prevent someone from dying before they can get to a hospital.
Ms Kham, an employee in Borikhamxay province: Mushrooms are not just used as food, but have important medicinal properties. However, there are numerous kinds of mushrooms, some of which are harmful. I have read about people being allergic to some kinds of mushrooms. As we know, most farmers use chemicals to protect their plants against insects and to hasten their growth. But the use of chemicals not only affects farmers’ health, while residues left on plants can leak into waterways. This can accumulate in mushrooms, so that they are harmful when eaten. So I think to avoid problems we shouldn’t eat any wild mushrooms if we’re not absolutely sure that they’re safe and don’t know where they’ve come from.
 
Mr Bounchai, a resident of Saravan province: I follow conventional wisdom, which says that mushrooms that are eaten by animals are safe, that dried mushrooms are safe, and that no mushroom that grows on wood is poisonous. It’s also very important to boil mushrooms when cooking them. The only way to avoid poisonous mushrooms is not to eat any unless we’re entirely sure what they species they are or where they grew. If mushrooms grow in places where chemical residues may be present, such as banana and rubber plantations, they are best avoided. Wild mushrooms are expensive, but we will have wasted a lot of money if we eat some that are toxic.
 
Ms Da Sisomphou, a resident of Vientiane:
Sometimes mushroom poisoning can occur because of environmental factors. Mushrooms can act as sponges and absorb pesticides and pollutants, making a mushroom that is normally edible toxic. Some people develop allergies to mushrooms, and some individuals may be sensitive to certain edible varieties while others aren’t. Lastly, food poisoning can occur through improper handling and storage of mushrooms. I have heard that different types of poisonous mushroom produce different symptoms, and some that are highly toxic can result in death. If you develop any symptoms at all after eating mushrooms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update May 31, 2022)