Deadly illness outbreak linked to morel mushrooms may have stemmed from preparation, CDC says

Although morels are generally considered safe, they were the cause of a deadly illness outbreak in Montana. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an investigation to determine what went wrong. Morels, known for their honeycomb-like appearance, are a delicacy and are often featured on upscale restaurant menus. A restaurant in Bozeman, Montana was at the center of the investigation after two people died and several others reported falling ill after consuming a sushi roll containing morels. It was found that the morels served at the restaurant were lightly cooked or raw, while in California, where the mushrooms were thoroughly cooked, no illnesses were reported. The CDC recommends refrigerating morels properly and ensuring thorough cooking to avoid adverse health effects. Raw or undercooked morels have been linked to mushroom sickness, although cases are rare. It is important to distinguish true morels from false morels, as the latter can cause serious illness even after cooking.