"Montana Morel Mushroom Outbreak Exposes Knowledge Gaps"

A deadly outbreak of poisonings linked to morel mushrooms at a Montana sushi restaurant has highlighted the gaps in knowledge about fungi. The outbreak sickened 51 people, hospitalized three, and resulted in two deaths. Health officials conducted a detailed investigation, finding that the consumption of morels was strongly associated with illness, with uncooked mushrooms posing a higher risk. Despite extensive testing, no toxins or pathogens were found in the mushrooms, which were imported from China. The incident underscores the need for better understanding and regulation of fungi in food.