Mushrooms love humid conditions and wet soil. Officials with the Minnesota Regional Poison Center say that combination has led to an increased number of calls related to wild mushroom exposure this summer.

They warn would-be foragers that in most cases it’s hard to tell the difference from an edible mushroom and a poisonous one. Some mushroom features that can help identify them in one region of the country may not be applicable in other places.

Here are some safety tips from the MRPC:

• Never pick and eat a wild mushroom unless it has been identified by a specially trained mushroom expert. The only safe mushrooms are those purchased in the grocery store.

• Supervise children while playing in the yard to minimize the chance of accidental ingestions and teach them to to ask before eating something they find outdoors.

• Remember that cooking a poisonous mushroom does not make it safe to eat.

It’s important to know that symptoms from digesting a poisonous mushroom may not appear for several hours or even days. Some include stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and headache. Also, confusion and seizures may occur. Some poisonous mushrooms can lead to organ failure or death.

Specialists can be reached at the Minnesota Regional Poison Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. The call is free and confidential and available 24/7 for all Minnesotans. Visit mnpoison.org for more tips, educational resources, and downloadable materials.

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