Inspectors discovered the toxic mushroom, false morel, on the menu of a popular Stockholm restaurant. Despite being cooked multiple times, the mushroom's toxins can remain, posing health risks. The restaurant has since removed it from their offerings.
Toxic Mushroom Found on Stockholm Restaurant Menu
Toxic Mushroom Found on Stockholm Restaurant Menu
Steak tartare, moules frites – and toxic mushrooms. Inspectors visiting a central Stockholm restaurant noted the presence of the false morel on the menu.
During an inspection at a popular restaurant in central Stockholm, environmental agency inspectors discovered a menu anomaly.
Among dishes like entrecote, mussels, and steak tartare, the toxic mushroom false morel was also listed.
The mushroom contains the toxic compound gyromitrin, which can affect the liver and central nervous system. It has also been found to cause cancer in animal studies.
The Swedish Food Agency advises against consuming the mushroom, even if it is boiled or dried.
Restaurant's Response: Removed from Menu
At the Stockholm restaurant, staff stated that the false morel served is boiled three times before being sold. According to the Swedish Food Agency, the toxins can still remain, a point highlighted by the environmental agency during their inspection.
The steam from the mushroom can also pose a health risk to chefs and create a workplace safety issue.
“Our chef has been aware of the risks and has taken all precautions. After the environmental agency noted the presence of the false morel on the menu, we immediately removed it,” a restaurant representative wrote to Expressen.
The false morel has long been considered a delicacy and was once a popular feature in Swedish restaurants. In several countries, it is banned from sale. This is not the case in Sweden, despite the Swedish Food Agency's advice.