Gyromitrin in false morels is acutely toxic to humans, and it has been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Finland is one of the few countries where the sale of false morels as food is permitted. To remove the toxicity, it is recommended to boil false morels twice for 5 minutes each time, but despite this treatment, toxic residues remain in the mushrooms.
This study evaluates the exposure of Finns to gyromitrin in false morels based on literature sources and investigates the health hazards caused by gyromitrin. Additionally, it is examined whether the boiling recommendation is sufficient to remove gyromitrin from false morels to a level that does not pose a health risk.
Schedule
2024–2025
Research group
Petra Pasonen
Tero Hirvonen
Johanna Suomi
Funding
The Finnish Food Authority
Additional information
Researcher Petra Pasonen, petra.pasonen@ruokavirasto.fi