Mushroom poisoning is usually caused by components in mushrooms (mycotoxins) that are ingested when supposedly edible mushrooms are eaten. However, the actual number of these cases is much lower than the level of awareness of mushroom poisoning would suggest. The consequences, however, can be serious, leading in particular to liver failure and even death.
Caution with fallen fruit
In Europe, about 150 species of mushrooms are known to be poisonous, although there are probably quite a few more mushrooms that can also be classified as poisonous. Researchers have discovered a number of other toxins produced by mushrooms in recent years. For example, an otherwise harmless representative produces ethanol, i.e. alcohol, with all the known side effects. If juice is extracted from moldy fallen fruit, pathogenic substances (for example, patulin) may be found.
Fungi in moldy food
Moldy foods such as moldy bread can cause severe liver damage and promote cancer – the culprit is the mold toxin aflatoxin. Scientists have also discovered fungal substances in – not visibly spoiled – coffee, muesli, meat and other foods (for example, ochratoxin, deoxynivalenol), which can presumably damage organs, cause cancer and trigger allergic reactions. However, it is still unclear how high the danger really is.
