The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued an urgent warning after a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning linked to wild, foraged mushrooms. The advisory follows reports of 21 cases as of December 5, 2025, with incidents resulting in severe liver damage among both children and adults. One adult has died from the poisoning. The California Poison Control System (CPCS) identified significant clusters in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, but health officials warn that 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.”
The toxic mushroom responsible is Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap.
