CHP investigates cluster of food poisoning after consumption of porcini mushrooms
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The cluster involves a 59-year-old male and a 28-year-old female. Approximately two hours after cooking and consuming porcini mushrooms at home on December 21 last year, they presented with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and fever. They sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on the same day and were subsequently discharged after treatment.
Based on their clinical symptoms, the CHP believed that the patients' food poisoning was caused by consuming porcini mushrooms. Samples of uncooked porcini mushroom from the same batch provided by a patient was confirmed to be a poisonous mushroom species containing certain gastrointestinal irritants that can remain even after being cooked.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the patients bought the porcini mushroom concerned from Yunnan Province last December. The product did not have a trademark and information about the place of origin.
The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority of the Chinese Mainland, and will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action to safeguard public health.
Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptoms such as profuse sweating, hallucinations, other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. The patient could go into a coma. Death may result in severe cases. If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification.
Members of the public are recommended to take note of the following when choosing or consuming mushrooms locally or overseas:
- Buy mushrooms from reputable and reliable suppliers, and do not buy mushroom products which may be mixed with unknown species;
- Do not buy mushrooms which look unhygienic, such as those with growing substrates left with the product, or those which show signs of spoilage such as coloured spots/abnormal smell/slime, etc;
- Do not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones; and
- Wash and cook mushrooms thoroughly before consumption.
Ends/Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:30
Issued at HKT 19:30
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