Death Cap mushroom season is here again
Department of Health reminds people to steer clear of the world's most deadly mushroom − the Death Cap (Amanita Phalloides). All parts of this mushroom are poisonous, and eating just one mushroom can be fatal. Cooking or peeling does not inactivate the toxin.
The Death Cap mushrooms that caused two deaths in January 2012 grow in Victoria. They are mainly restricted to within Melbourne's central business district where they grow on the roots of oak trees.
The department warns people not to confuse these poisonous plants with edible south-east Asian or European mushrooms, which are not native to Australia and are unlikely to be found here. People have also mistaken death cup mushrooms for common field mushrooms.
If you suspect you or your child may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur, contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (Tel 131126).
More information about fungi poisoning
More information about the Death Cap mushroom
Hygiene with animals
Farms, zoos and exhibits where patrons may interact with animals are enjoyable and educational for children and adults. However, various infectious diseases, including gastroenteritis, may be spread from animals to humans.
See Reducing the risk of gastroenteritis at open farms, petting zoos and animal exhibits for information about how to reduce the spread of disease from animals to humans.
One approval for temporary & mobile food premises
From 1 July 2011, a statewide registration and notification scheme for temporary and mobile food premises applies under the Food Act 1984.
The scheme will make it easier for food businesses and community groups that currently require multiple registrations to operate in different council districts.
Further information about single approval for temporary & mobile food premises to operate in Victoria.
Community group food vans and stalls
Six publications for community groups have been updated to explain the state-wide single registration and notification scheme for temporary and mobile food community premises under the Food Act 1984.
Depending on a community group's food handling activities, food vans or stalls will only need to register with, or notify, the one council.
For further information see Food safety at home & in the community.
Donating food to emergency services
If you'd like to donate food - or help in any other way - during an emergency, the Donating food to emergency services flyer will help you determine the best way to assist.
Guide to the Food Act changes
The Food Act 1984 regulates the sale of food for human consumption in Victoria.
From 1 July 2010, major changes to the Act apply to Victoria's 45,000 food businesses and community groups that conduct one or two day food events for fundraising or charitable purposes.
The national Food Standards Code continues to apply, and is not affected by changes to the Act.
See also
Do Food Safely - a free online food handler learning program. Designed to improve basic knowledge of food safety. It is informative and fun and includes six topics on food safety and a final quiz. It takes around an hour to complete, but can be completed in separate units at the participant's own pace.
Visit the Do Food Safely website for more information.
You can also view the Do Food Safely website in the following languages:
Email
