This Delicacy Has Been Killing People And Scientists Want To Know Why

From portobello to shiitake, mushrooms have long been a big part of global cuisine. But some variations are far more desirable than any shrooms you can pick up at the local supermarket.

One of the most in-demand ingredients is the morel. It can cost a pretty penny, but fans say it’s worth the investment … if it’s actually safe to eat, that is.

Montana outbreak

Dozens of people who ate at Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman about a year ago became sick after ordering dishes featuring the morel. Several required hospitalization and two ultimately died.

Those who became ill experienced a slate of dreadful symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and serious dehydration.

So what happened? After all, morels have been consumed safely in a variety of preparations for many years.

While the exact cause of the illnesses is unknown, it seems to involve how the mushrooms were cooked … or whether they were cooked at all.

A new menu item

At the root of the outbreak was the “special sushi roll,” which has just been added to Dave’s menu. In addition to the morel, it was made with salmon — and the preparation of the dish differed on the two days it was being offered.

On the first day, the mushrooms were partially cooked when a hot sauce was poured over the raw mushrooms. The next time, they came out cold and uncooked.

Officials say those who ingested the completely raw mushrooms reported illnesses at a much higher rate than the patrons who ate the partially cooked morels. And the risk continued to elevate based on how many of the rolls a person ate.

While reports of toxic morels are uncommon, proper handling and preparation is key. And Dave’s Sushi, by the way, has since taken its “special” rolls off the menu.

Chris Agee March 16th, 2024

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