Mushrooms are a popular food used in many cuisines worldwide. Though their close resemblance to edible mushrooms can be misleading, some mushrooms are poisonous. Mushroom poisoning can occur after ingesting poisonous mushrooms due to the toxic substances that are present. Mycophagists are individuals who collect mushrooms for consumption, and the process of collecting mushrooms is called mushroom hunting. 

Everybody knows that for most of us going into the woods to pick and eat a random selection of toadstools and mushrooms is pretty much like playing Russian roulette – it’s been drummed into us since we were reading fairy tales. The point is unless you are an absolute expert on gathering mushrooms you should probably steer well clear. But, I hear you say, isn’t it the red ones with white spots to watch out for?! Well that’s one type to avoid, and they will make you pretty ill. The poisonous Mushrooms that will really do some damage look pretty unthreatening, often just like the edible ones.