Open AccessThe safety of edible fungi purchased at Melbourne markets
Author(s) -
Robinson Jeffrey P.,
MacLeod Dawson S.,
Taylor David McD.,
Lebel Teresa,
May Tom W.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2006.tb00871.x
Subject(s) - mushroom , environmental health , mushroom poisoning , geography , toxicology , medicine , biology , botany
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.Implications: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.