It’s that time of the year, where the autumn leaves change colour and fall and other plants, like mushrooms pop up. In a child’s eyes mushrooms can look like fun fairy toadstools to play with, or a delicious, possibly dangerous snack. 

It is almost impossible to tell the difference between safe and poisonous mushrooms in the wild.  You should only eat store bought mushrooms.  

If you live on a farm or grown your own fruit, vegetables or herbs, it is important to teach children about safe foods and potentially dangerous foods.  Young children should always be supervised when harvesting from a plant, bush or the ground.   

While mushroom poisonings in children are less common than in adults, it is important to make sure little hands don’t get in reach of any poisonous mushrooms. 

Be on watch this autumn.  Keep kids safe: 

• teach young children not to put anything in their mouth straight from a plant, bush or the ground
• fence off or remove wild mushrooms and known poisonous or dangerous plants from areas where children play
• remove any mushrooms growing in indoor plants or potting mix. 

For more information see our Poisonous or harmful plants and children Factsheet.