Shillong, July 25: The Meghalaya government has issued a statewide public health advisory warning people against consuming wild mushrooms and urging farmers to prevent chemical contamination of rivers, streams and other public water sources during the monsoon season.

The advisory, issued by the Commissionerate of Food Safety under the Health and Family Welfare Department, comes amid recurring cases of mushroom poisoning during the rainy season and growing concerns over pollution of drinking water sources from the improper use and disposal of agricultural chemicals.

According to the Commissionerate, changing climatic conditions, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns, have altered the growth characteristics of wild mushrooms, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish edible varieties from poisonous ones.

Officials cautioned that even mushrooms traditionally considered safe may now contain harmful toxins, rendering conventional methods of identification unreliable.

The advisory urges citizens not to forage, collect or consume wild mushrooms and instead purchase only cultivated mushrooms from trusted sources, stressing that there is no foolproof method to determine whether a wild mushroom is safe to eat.

The government has also advised farmers and the public against using or washing pesticide, insecticide and fungicide equipment near rivers, streams, springs and other public water sources. It warned that chemical residues can contaminate drinking water, particularly during heavy rains when runoff is at its peak.

People experiencing symptoms of suspected mushroom poisoning or chemical exposure have been urged to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

To maximise public awareness, Deputy Commissioners, District Medical and Health Officers, Block Development Officers, Food Safety Officers, village authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders have been directed to disseminate the advisory through public announcements, awareness campaigns and local communication channels across the state.

The Meghalaya government appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and follow the safety guidelines to prevent avoidable illnesses and protect the state’s water resources during the monsoon season.