Mushroom picking: why you should never rely on this method to recognize them, according to ANSES

When in doubt when picking mushrooms, many people use an inadvisable method to identify them.

Autumn is THE season for mushroom picking. It's an activity many people look forward to every year. But it's not without risk. Some mushrooms are toxic, even fatal. Every year, numerous poisonings are recorded, with a peak in October. In 2024, between the beginning of summer and the end of the year, "1,363 people with symptoms contacted a Poison Control Center after eating mushrooms in mainland France," according to ANSES (the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety) . Of these cases, around 40 were serious, a "sharp increase" compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Health . Three people even died.

Every year, health authorities issue reminders of best practices (and those to avoid) to reduce the risk of poisoning. They particularly warn of a "not recommended" but nonetheless widespread practice: the use of mobile applications that allow mushroom identification, such as "Champignouf" or "Declic Champi." While this may seem like a good idea to ensure that you're picking an edible species, "using a mushroom recognition application or an equivalent smartphone feature is not recommended because it is prone to errors," warns ANSES.

According to the report, for 19 meals based on picked mushrooms that resulted in poisoning, an app was used to identify the species. Instead of using an app (or the internet, or even artificial intelligence) when in doubt about a mushroom, it is recommended to "have your harvest checked by a pharmacist or a mycology association." It is also preferable to take a photo of your harvest, which can be useful for medical treatment in the event of poisoning.

Poisoning can manifest itself through nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, dizziness, or even visual disturbances. If these symptoms appear after eating picked mushrooms, the Ministry of Health reminds you to "immediately call 15 or the poison control center" in your region.

To limit risks, ANSES also recommends always cooking wild mushrooms for at least 20 minutes before eating them; consuming them "in reasonable quantities" (maximum 200 g); keeping them in the refrigerator "avoiding any contact with other foods"; and finally "never giving picked mushrooms to young children." Once all these precautions have been taken, enjoy your meal!