HEALTH ALERT FROM VICTORIAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Victorians are being warned not to pick or eat wild mushroom as heavy rain has led to growth of deadly varieties.

If you suspect you or your child may have eaten a poisonous mushroom do not wait for symptoms to occur, contact Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Extreme caution is advised when picking and consuming wild mushrooms - if in doubt, don't consume.

Poisonous mushrooms including Death Cap mushrooms and Yellow-staining mushrooms are currently growing around Victoria as a result of recent heavy rains.

Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison.

There is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms.

Mushrooms purchased from a supermarket, greengrocer or other reputable source are safe to eat.