Champignons, porcini mushrooms, chanterelles: the autumn months are perfect for mushroom picking. But caution is advised this year too: varieties such as the death cap (Amanita phalloides) are poisonous and can easily be confused with edible mushrooms.

The German Liver Foundation points out that the death cap mushroom is responsible for around 90 percent of deaths from mushroom poisoning. This makes it one of the most poisonous mushrooms found in Europe. How to recognize it and what to do in an emergency.

How do you recognize the death cap mushroom?

According to the German Society for Mycology, the mushroom is greenish in color, although the color may fade towards the edge. The cap of the mushroom is initially hemispherical, but becomes flat over time and can reach a diameter of up to 12 cm. The stem is up to 10 cm long and about 2 cm thick. Another striking feature is the smell: it is reminiscent of artificial honey or a sweet invert sugar cream.

But be careful: the death cap mushroom is often confused with edible mushrooms such as button mushrooms or green russulas. A confusion can have fatal consequences.

What symptoms will appear if I accidentally eat the mushroom?

According to the German Liver Foundation, if you eat a death cap mushroom, symptoms of poisoning only appear after several hours. What’s tricky is that by then the poison, the amatoxins, have already spread throughout the body. These poisons are particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.

The most common symptoms of poisoning are similar to those of a gastrointestinal infection: you feel unwell, have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Within 24 hours, the poisons begin to damage the liver, which can lead to blood clotting and kidney dysfunction. In the worst case, vital liver functions fail, and only a liver transplant can save lives.

What to do in an emergency?

At the first signs of poisoning, rapid medical help is required: you should immediately call an ambulance or contact a poison information center. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety provides a list of list with the appropriate poison control numbers.

It is important not to try to treat the infection yourself or use home remedies. Any fungal remains and vomit should be saved and given to the doctor. This will make diagnosis and treatment easier.

What is the best way to protect yourself?

To protect yourself from mushroom poisoning, you should find out about mushroom species in advance – and not rely solely on apps or books to identify them, warns the German Liver Foundation. Even if mushrooms are infested with maggots or snails, that does not mean that they are non-toxic.

If in doubt, it is better to consult an expert. There are so-called mushroom experts who examine the finds and give the green light for consumption. website You can search for them at the German Mycology Society. However, the safest way to enjoy mushrooms is to buy them in stores.