Claviceps purpurea is an ergot fungus that grows on rye and related cereals. Produces dark purple to black sclerotia containing toxic alkaloids. Found in wheat, barley, oats, and rye
Ochratoxin A is a common food contaminant produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Found in contaminated grain, pork products, coffee, wine, and dried grapes. Has species- and sex-specific toxicological differences
Mushroom poisoning occurs from ingestion of toxic mushrooms while foraging. Approximately 100 mushroom species cause most poisoning cases. China has highest mushroom poisoning incidence, with 480 poisonous species. Misidentification by amateur hunters accounts for 95% of cases
Tool helps identify mushrooms but database includes only local species. Spore print preparation recommended before using identification tool. Mushroom identification is challenging and results may be incorrect. Never consume mushrooms based on identification tool results
Agaricus mushrooms are medium-sized to large with chocolate-brown spores. Most species have white or brown caps, some with yellow or red tones. Free gills darken from pale to chocolate-brown by maturity. Partial veil forms ring around stipe, sometimes with two layers. Stipe and pileus separate easily when bent
Deathcap accounts for over 90% of European fungus-related poisoning deaths. Common in Britain, Ireland, northern Africa, and parts of Asia. Introduced to USA from Europe, now found in Australia and South America