Samples of poisonous mushrooms in Van Ban district tested positive for Psilocin toxin

The National Institute for Food Safety Control has sent the results of mushroom sample testing to serve the investigation of the food poisoning case that occurred in Khanh Yen Ha commune, Van Ban district on May 23, and found the mushroom sample positive for the toxin Psilocin.

Previously, on May 24, the Lao Cai Province Food Safety and Hygiene Department sent a dispatch to the National Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene Control to support the testing of samples to serve the investigation of food poisoning, along with mushroom samples that caused poisoning in 3 people in Sung 2 village, Khanh Yen Ha commune, Van Ban district on May 23 and required treatment at the hospital.

Poisoning patients treated at the Provincial General Hospital.

The National Institute for Food Safety Control has conducted research, reviewed the criteria, performed analysis and has initial test results, detecting mushroom samples positive for Psilocin toxin.

Test results of the National Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene Control.

Psilocin is a toxin found in mushrooms that causes mental disorders. Magic mushrooms contain Psilocine (or Psilotsin) and Psilocybine, which are hallucinogens that are on the List of banned drugs in most countries. In Vietnam, magic mushrooms are banned under Decree No. 73/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018 of the Government regulating the List of narcotics and precursors.

Symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders appear within 20 to 60 minutes after eating mushrooms, including: hallucinations, hearing, visual and sometimes tactile disorders, skin paresthesia, emotional disorders... This condition is very dangerous because the mushroom user attacks others because he thinks he is being harmed. Some other symptoms include dilated pupils, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, vomiting, facial flushing, muscle weakness, convulsions, coma (in very severe cases).

Currently, 3 patients with mushroom poisoning after treatment at the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Department, Provincial General Hospital have been discharged.

Van Ban District Medical Center has issued a document to strengthen food safety and prevent poisoning caused by natural toxins in the area. At the same time, it has urged commune health stations in the area to step up propaganda and raise people's awareness of preventing and combating food poisoning, including mushroom poisoning.

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