Recall of toxic dried morels in France after woman’s death, Digi Mart USA News (France): French health authorities issued an alert on November 5 announcing the withdrawal and national recall of morel mushrooms because of a “probable contamination by a toxin likely to have caused a death.” The Ministry of Food Sovereignty made the announcement, according to a publisher report.
Health authorities were informed on November 3 of the death of a woman following a serious poisoning potentially linked to eating morels. She developed her first gastrointestinal symptoms on November 2, a few hours after consuming the mushrooms, and died the following day.
The ministry said she had no comorbidities.
The woman contacted the regional poison and toxicovigilance center, which directed her to the nearest hospital, the CHU de Montpellier. Despite rapid care, the ministry’s statement says she died on November 3.
Local outlet Ici Hérault reported that she suffered a cardiac arrest during the night, was placed on respiratory support, and was taken off life support on Tuesday morning around 10 a.m. because there was no hope left.
The patient had eaten dehydrated morels bought at a B&M store. The product has been on sale since October 12, 2026.
At this stage of the investigation by the health and agriculture ministries, a link between consuming the morels, the gastrointestinal symptoms and the death is suspected, and further analyses are underway.
Health authorities have informed retailers selling the contaminated morels, and posters are to be displayed in store aisles to warn consumers. Officials said recalls at other retailers besides B&M will follow.
Consumers who see the product at any store should not buy it, and anyone who has it at home should not eat it, even cooked, since cooking does not neutralize the toxins. The mushrooms should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
Anyone who experiences digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and/or vomiting within hours of eating these dried morels should immediately call a poison center at 01 45 42 59 59, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
