Weeks before mushroom-hunting season, health ministry warns against picking false morels

April 1, Pozirk. As mushroom-hunting season draws closer in Belarus, the health ministry has warned Belarusians against picking and eating false morels (Gyromitra).

False morels contain toxic chemical Gyrometrin, which is not removed by long boiling, the ministry warned.

Morels are popular among Belarusian mushroom hunters in May, while mushroom hunting is often dubbed the most popular sport in Belarus.

Last year, four people died and 81 were diagnosed with food poisoning after eating mushrooms, the health ministry’s press office reported.

The first signs of false morel poisoning include nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, abdominal pain and seizures, may appear between six and 12 hours after eating, while children and people with gastrointestinal issues may develop them in two hours, the health ministry said.