Death Cap mushroom season is here again

Department of Health reminds people to steer clear of the world's most deadly mushroom − the Death Cap (Amanita Phalloides). All parts of this mushroom are poisonous, and eating just one mushroom can be fatal.

If you suspect you or your child may have eaten a poisonous mushroom, do not wait for symptoms to occur, contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (Tel 131126).

More information about fungi poisoning

More information about the Death Cap mushroom

Food safety program template folder availability

The Food safety program template for Class 2 retail and food service businesses No.1 version 2 hard copy in a durable folder is now available from the Information Victoria bookshop. You can purchase this online at http://www.bookshop.vic.gov.au, or from the bookshop at Level 20, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne (Tel 1300 366 356).

Alternatively, you can use Foodsmart to develop a free food safety program tailored for the food handling activities in your business or download an identical copy of the template from this website at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety/bus/templates.htm

Community group temporary and mobile food premises template - Class 2 now available

The popular "Events" template has been updated and is now the "Community group temporary and mobile food premises template - Class 2". You can download the template at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety/home/community.htm

This template is for community groups that operate temporary or mobile food premises that sell food and have been advised by council their activities fall under class 2.

Translated versions will be available soon.

Donating food to emergency services

If you'd like to donate food - or help in any other way - during an emergency, the Donating food to emergency services flyer will help you determine the best way to assist.