Poisonous mushrooms in Denmark

Paddy straw mushroom and deathcap

Learn how to safely collect and eat wild mushrooms in Denmark. See how to avoid confusing deadly wild mushrooms with the edible Paddy Straw Mushroom.

Be careful when collecting wild mushrooms and plants

Nature offers many edible plants and mushrooms but some have toxic look-alikes. Only eat wild mushrooms and plants that you can identify with 100% certainty.

Not all wild mushrooms are safe to eat. Be especially careful with edible species that have poisonous look-alikes. Use a reliable, up-to-date mushroom guidebook and bring someone who knows the local mushrooms well.

5 safety tips when collecting or eating mushrooms

  1. Eat only mushrooms, which you are 100% sure that you recognize
  2. Eat only mushrooms, which are generally recognized as edible
  3. Do not eat spoiled mushrooms
  4. When eating a new species of mushrooms for the first time, always start up with a small portion in order to minimize the risk for allergy or other hypersensitivity reactions
  5. Do not eat mushrooms raw, as many mushrooms may cause discomfort if eaten raw, e.g., stomach pain or nausea.

Especially for foreigners collecting mushrooms in the Nordic countries

  • Learn carefully about the local mushrooms in the Nordic countries. Some may look like some edible mushrooms from your home country, but can be deadly poisonous.

If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain after consuming mushrooms, seek medical help immediately.

Beware of Confusion with Paddy Straw Mushroom

Several people have been poisoned after mistaking the deadly Deathcap or Destroying Angel for the edible Paddy Straw Mushroom, which grows in Asia. Several people have been poisoned after mistaking the deadly Deathcap or Destroying Angel for the edible Paddy Straw Mushroom, which grows in Asia. This confusion has led to severe liver damage and fatalities - particularly among Southeast Asian residents and visitors in the Nordic region. If you know someone who collects mushrooms and is familiar with Asian species, please refer them to this brochure:

Information on Potential Deadly Mistakes (pdf)

Comparison of young mushrooms: the top image shows a young Deathcap mushroom marked with a red cross and a warning label "WARNING: DANGEROUS!" indicating its toxicity. The bottom image shows young edible Paddy Straw Mushrooms. The image highlights the risk of confusing deadly Deathcap mushrooms with edible varieties. Logos of Fødevarestyrelsen and the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries are visible.

FAQ on Wild and Cultivated Mushrooms

Read what to watch out for when picking wild mushrooms in nature or when buying and preparing edible mushrooms at home.

If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek medical help right away. It is important to identify which mushroom was eaten. If you're unsure, the Poison Control Hotline can help assess the risk.

You can call the Poison Control Hotline at +45 82 12 12 12.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If symptoms occur eight hours or more after eating mushrooms, it may indicate a serious poisoning.

Poisoning by Deathcap or Destroying Angel may typically have three phases:

  1. The first phase, beginning 6–24 hours after consumption, is characterized by violent, long-persistent diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Duration 12–24 hours.
  2. Sometimes followed by a temporary second phase with apparent recovery
  3. The last phase starts 2–6 days after the consumption, with more or less severe symptoms of liver and possibly kidney damages, which may lead to death.

Read our five safety tips.

The Danish Poison Control recommends taking photos of any mushrooms you pick before eating them. If someone becomes ill or poisoned, the photos are important for correct treatment. Be sure to photograph the mushroom from the top, underside, and side.

Avoid picking mushrooms near busy roads, as they may absorb heavy metals and other pollutants.

Mushrooms should always be cooked. Many species, including store-bought varieties, may cause an upset stomach or other discomfort if eaten raw due to natural toxins. The toxins can be reduced by heating up the mushrooms.