Around 100 guests suffered from food poisoning at a wedding reception held at Jardín La Estancia banquet hall in Cuernavaca, south of Mexico City.
The celebration turned into a disaster when many attendees reported symptoms right after eating a four-course meal provided by an external catering company.
Complaints of stomach cramps, dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhoea quickly surfaced among the affected guests, with distressing video footage capturing their discomfort as they awaited medical assistance. Several individuals, including a young girl, were seen receiving treatment in hospital beds.
Witnesses pointed to the wild mushrooms served alongside goat cheese and tomato coulis as the likely culprit behind the poisoning incident.
Concerned attendees promptly contacted emergency services, resulting in the transportation of multiple individuals to hospitals via ambulances and private vehicles. After receiving treatment for approximately five hours, those hospitalized were discharged.
Héctor Barón Olivares, spokesperson for Morelos Health Services, confirmed that the discharged victims had undergone immediate treatment and observation before their release. Investigations into potential causes, including bacterial contamination, are ongoing.
Guests noted that male and female attendees fell ill despite being served different meals.
This unfortunate incident echoes similar cases of mushroom-related poisonings, including an instance in Australia where one woman died, and two others were hospitalized after consuming a suspected mushroom drink at a wellness retreat.
In a separate incident last year, three individuals tragically lost their lives following a family lunch tainted by suspected mushroom poisoning. Erin Patterson from Leongatha faces charges related to the incident, although she denies any wrongdoing.
In light of these troubling incidents, authorities emphasise the importance of rigorous food safety measures, mainly when serving wild mushrooms known for their potential toxicity. To prevent similar occurrences, the need for thorough vetting of catering providers and close monitoring of food preparation processes has been underscored.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns regarding the identification and risks associated with wild mushrooms are being advocated to educate individuals on the dangers of consuming unfamiliar or improperly prepared varieties. By promoting a greater understanding of mushroom safety, authorities aim to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses and safeguard public health during celebratory events and everyday dining experiences.
