Grobiņa vendor sells fly agaric and bites off a piece to prove his point
A man in Grobiņa has been selling red fly agaric mushrooms alongside honey and chanterelles, claiming they are medicinal. Medical information warns that eating them can cause serious poisoning.
In Grobiņa, a local resident set up an improvised stall outside the Lats shop on Vītolu Street, offering honey, chanterelles and garlic — and also red fly agaric mushrooms. The story was reported by the portal liepajniekiem.lv.
The seller offered the mushrooms for one euro each, saying they were intended for medicinal purposes. He did not want to reveal his identity and refused to be photographed. According to the man, this was not his first time selling fly agaric in Grobiņa. He said he was convinced of their positive effects and to demonstrate his belief, he bit off a piece of the red mushroom.
He claimed the mushrooms are needed for immunity but should not be eaten in large quantities. He based his opinion on what he had heard in his youth from older and more experienced people. The man also mentioned a driver who bought two mushrooms from him and showed him how to consume them.
Although the fly agaric drew attention, it was not his main product. He said his main hope was to sell chanterelles, which he also offered in jars. Previously, he had traded at the Pētertirgus market in Liepāja, but competition there was much stronger.
Why fly agaric is dangerous
Red fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) is not considered a safe edible mushroom, even though its effects differ from the most deadly amanita species. It contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, which affect the central nervous system.
After eating it, a person may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, coordination problems and changes in perception. Hallucinations, agitation, muscle twitching and convulsions are also possible. In severe poisoning, consciousness may be disturbed and the condition can become life-threatening.
Medical literature includes serious cases of poisoning, so people should not rely on folk advice about the "right" amount or preparation. The toxicity of mushrooms can vary, and eating unknown or potentially poisonous mushrooms is not safe. If someone has eaten fly agaric and feels unwell, shows confusion, vomits, has hallucinations, cramps or disturbed consciousness, emergency medical help is needed.
