Food safety
Refrigerate fungus during long soaking
Keep soaking brief; use the refrigerator when a longer soak is needed. Discard fungus soaked too long or showing slime or an unusual smell; boiling is not a rescue.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Long warm soaking of dried fungus can allow bacteria and heat-resistant toxins to develop.
Wrong action
Leaving fungus soaking overnight on the counter and boiling it to make it safe.
Correct action
Keep soaking brief; use the refrigerator when a longer soak is needed.
What to do
- Soak only the amount needed and plan when it will be cooked.
- Keep soaking brief; use the refrigerator when a longer soak is needed.
- Discard fungus soaked too long or showing slime or an unusual smell; boiling is not a rescue.
If something happens
If someone becomes ill after eating, stop serving, keep food details and seek medical care. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, seizures or unconsciousness; do not induce vomiting.
Sources and review
- Centre for Food Safety — CFS: soaking dried mushrooms
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20 - Centre for Food Safety — CFS: bongkrekic acid and soaking
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.