_{Safety Alert for Poisonous Mushrooms}

_{As part of our commitment to the college community, we would like to keep parents and carers informed of important health and safety alerts.}

_{Parents and carers should be aware of the dangers of wild mushrooms.}

_{This follows the health advisory issued by the Victorian Department of Health Chief Health Officer on Friday 5 April 2024 about the danger of eating potentially poisonous mushrooms. These include death cap mushrooms and yellow-staining mushrooms, which grow in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. For images of these 2 mushrooms, see images below or refer to the Better Health Channel’s Mushroom poisoning webpage.}

The toxin in death cap mushrooms remains even after cooking, peeling or drying. If eaten, poisoning can cause nausea, stomach cramps and/or long-term liver damage that may result in death.

Yellow-staining mushrooms look similar to field mushrooms sold in supermarkets but can be harmful if eaten. Symptoms experienced if eaten can include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. The severity of symptoms varies with the amount eaten.

_{What to do if you find mushrooms in your garden or while on a walk}

_{Do not pick or eat wild mushrooms. Please let your children know about the dangers of these mushrooms and tell them not to touch any mushrooms. Parents and carers should:}

• _{while wearing gloves, pick and remove any mushrooms you may find in your garden,}
• _{carefully place mushrooms and used gloves in a bag and put it in a closed rubbish bin,}
• _{wash hands thoroughly.}

_{If a mushroom is eaten}

_{Do not wait for symptoms to occur before seeking medical attention.}

_{If you suspect mushroom poisoning, phone Triple Zero (000) or the Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hours, 7 days a week).}

_{Carefully collect any remaining mushrooms using the same safety steps as above. Also, photograph a sample of the eaten mushroom in case further expert identification is required.}

_{We hope this information is helpful and wish all parents, carers, students and staff good health.}