The Situation of Food Poisoning from Poisonous Mushrooms in Thailand, 2020 – 2024 and a Pilot Study on Knowledge, Beliefs, and Consumption Behaviors Regarding Wild Mushrooms in Sang Tho Subdistrict, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

Abstract

Wild mushrooms are widely consumed as local food; however, some species are toxic and may cause severe poisoning or death if misidentified. This study examined the situation of toxic wild mushroom poisoning in Thailand from 2020 to 2024 and assessed knowledge, beliefs, and consumption behaviors among residents of Sang Tho Sub-district, Khueang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Purposive sampling was applied due to the high incidence in Health Region 10, focusing on households in a village where a fatal case involving a 10-year-old child had occurred. Secondary data were obtained from the outbreak monitoring system of the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control. Primary data were collected using a validated multiple-choice questionnaire (IOC: 0.67 – 1.00) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The fatality rate was approximately one death per ten poisoned patients. Outbreaks occurred throughout the year, peaking during the rainy season. Health Region 10 reported the highest number of outbreaks, with Ubon Ratchathani Province accounting for 28 of 113 incidents nationwide. Most participants (97.53%) had lifestyles closely associated with wild mushrooms as consumers, sellers and mushroom experts, while only 2.47% reported not consuming mushrooms. Mushroom identification relied mainly on physical characteristics and local experts; however, overall knowledge, beliefs, and consumption behaviors were assessed as unsafe, increasing health risks. Strengthening community-based risk communication through local sages, enhanced surveillance, seasonal warnings, market regulation, and a “safe wild mushroom certification” system is recommended.