What foods can cause fatal poisoning when consumed?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Foods that may cause fatal food poisoning after consumption generally include undercooked green beans, spoiled sprouted potatoes, poisonous mushrooms, undercooked fresh daylilies, and contaminated raw seafood. These foods contain saponins and phytohemagglutinin; if not thoroughly heated, these toxic substances cannot be destroyed. Ingestion can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Foods that may cause fatal food poisoning after consumption generally include undercooked green beans, spoiled sprouted potatoes, poisonous mushrooms, undercooked fresh daylilies, and contaminated raw seafood. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Undercooked green beans: These contain saponin and phytohemagglutinin. If not thoroughly cooked, these substances are not destroyed and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract after consumption, causing vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, they may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, potentially becoming life-threatening if not treated promptly.
2. Spoiled sprouted potatoes: Potatoes that have sprouted or developed green skin contain high levels of solanine, a heat-resistant and highly toxic substance. Consuming them can damage the nervous and digestive systems, causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, respiratory failure may occur.
3. Poisonous mushrooms: Many wild toxic mushrooms (such as *Amanita verna* and *Amanita muscaria*) resemble edible species in appearance. They contain potent toxins that, once ingested, can rapidly damage vital organs like the liver and kidneys. There is no specific antidote, and the mortality rate is extremely high.
4. Undercooked fresh daylilies: These contain colchicine, which converts into the highly toxic compound di-colchicine in the human body. This irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, leading to severe vomiting and abdominal pain. In serious cases, it can result in multi-organ failure and be life-threatening.
5. Contaminated raw seafood: Raw seafood (such as oysters and sashimi) contaminated with pathogenic bacteria like *Vibrio parahaemolyticus* or *Listeria monocytogenes* may cause acute food poisoning. Symptoms include high fever and shock. Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of fatal complications due to worsening conditions.
When purchasing food, always choose fresh, unspoiled products and avoid collecting and consuming wild mushrooms indiscriminately. Ingredients should be thoroughly cooked, especially green beans and fresh daylilies. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness occur after eating, seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers about the types of food consumed.
