The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent warning following an outbreak of amatoxin poisoning caused by eating wild, foraged mushrooms. According to the department, 21 cases have been identified as of December 5, 2025, with patients experiencing severe liver damage. The outbreak has resulted in one adult fatality and affected both children and adults. Most cases have occurred in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, but the risk is present throughout the state.
Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, stated: “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.”
Health officials emphasize that even experienced foragers may not be able to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic varieties such as the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which is responsible for most serious poisonings involving wild mushrooms.
The CDPH recommends avoiding all wild mushroom consumption until further notice due to heightened risk.
