NSW Health issues warning as deadly death cap mushrooms found growing in Sydney and across the state

Authorities are urging the public not to forage or eat wild mushrooms after deadly death cap fungi were found in several NSW locations.

A full grown DeathCap and a baby Deathcap. Picture: Sarah Matray

NSW Health is urging residents not to forage or eat wild mushrooms after the discovery of highly toxic death cap mushrooms growing in parts of the state, including Sydney.

The deadly fungi — Amanita phalloides, commonly known as death cap mushrooms — have been recently detected in Sydney, the Southern Highlands and southern NSW. Just one death cap mushroom can be lethal if ingested.

Genevieve Adamo, Senior Specialist at the NSW Poisons Information Centre, said the symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately, making early medical treatment vital.

“Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can sometimes be delayed, but early treatment is vital to health outcomes,” Ms Adamo said.

“These include vomiting and diarrhoea, and in severe cases, liver and kidney damage or death.”

Organic mushrooms. Picture: Zoe Phillips

The warning follows a rise in poisonings. In 2024, there were 23 hospitalisations across the state due to toxic mushroom ingestion, including two children under five. The NSW Poisons Information Centre also received 363 calls about wild mushroom exposures in NSW and the ACT — a 26 per cent increase on 2023.

This year, as of May 31, there have already been 190 calls.

Professor Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, warned there is no reliable way to distinguish between edible and poisonous wild mushrooms.

“There is no easy or reliable way to identify if a wild mushroom is edible or poisonous, so we advise people against foraging for, and eating, wild mushrooms,” he said.

“Cooking poisonous mushrooms does not make them safe to eat. You should only eat mushrooms you buy from a reputable grocery store, supermarket or produce market.”

Amanita phalloides poisonous and dangerous mushroom, commonly known as the death cap.

Ms Adamo also warned that small children are particularly vulnerable to accidental ingestion.

“As young children have a tendency to put things in their mouths, they can be at risk,” she said.

“Watch your children when they are playing outside, especially around large trees in parks or your garden at home where mushrooms may grow. Remove any mushrooms that may grow to keep your children safe.”

NSW Health and local councils have been conducting ongoing surveillance for death cap mushrooms since their initial detection in southern NSW two years ago.

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Originally published as NSW Health issues warning as deadly death cap mushrooms found growing in Sydney and across the state