The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent warning after a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning was linked to eating wild, foraged mushrooms. The department reports that 21 cases have been identified by the California Poison Control System as of December 5, 2025. The cases include both children and adults, with one adult fatality. Clusters have been reported in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, but officials caution that there is risk throughout the state.
Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, said: “Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure. Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”
Amatoxin poisoning is known to cause severe liver damage and can be fatal if not treated quickly. The CDPH recommends that people avoid collecting or consuming wild mushrooms due to the increased risk during this period.
