Expert warns against foraging wild mushrooms due to poisoning risks

Professor Aysun Pekşen, Head of the Department of Horticulture at Ondokuz Mayıs University, has issued a warning against foraging and consuming wild mushrooms without expert knowledge. Due to recent rainy and warm weather in September and October, mushroom growth has increased significantly across Turkey.

Pekşen noted that while many wild mushrooms are edible and high in quality, certain species can be lethal. Even consuming very small amounts of toxic varieties can lead to severe health consequences, including liver and kidney failure, and potentially death. She emphasized that while experts can identify safe species, untrained individuals frequently encounter cases of serious poisoning.