Are you planning to sell wild mushrooms in Michigan?
The U.S. Public Health Service, F.D.A., 2009 Food Code, established rules for the commercial collecting and selling of wild mushrooms in all states, including Michigan. In order to legally collect and sell wild-foraged mushrooms anywhere in the United States, a person must be an expert in the identification of wild mushrooms. Otherwise, there is a danger that poisonous varieties may be collected and sold. The consumption of poisonous varieties of mushrooms can lead to illness or death, so it is imperative that all people who collect and sell wild-foraged mushrooms be properly trained in the identification of mushrooms.
In some states, farmers markets require mushroom vendors to sign agreements releasing the municipality and Market Manager from damage claims in the event of the illness or death of a consumer. Insurance underwriters associated with municipal sponsors of farmers markets may require the municipality to carry additional liability insurance. Other restrictions may include limiting mushroom varieties to certain of the more common ones like morel, oyster, sulfur shelf, and chanterelles.
It does not matter if you are selling chanterelles (on left) or morels (on right), you are required to follow the new regulations.
Michigan regulations regarding wild-foraged mushrooms.
In Michigan, in order to legally collect and sell wild-foraged mushrooms, a person must an approved mushroom identification expert. This entails the successful completion of a mushroom identification program that is approved by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). For information on the MAMI program designed to train individuals to be expert mushroom identifiers, please click here:
Below is a summary of applicable Michigan regulations regarding wild-foraged mushrooms:
- A seller must be recognized as an approved mushroom identification expert. Alternatively, the seller may employ a recognized mushroom identification expert.
- Each individual mushroom must be inspected and identified by the recognized expert. Only those identified as safe may be sold.
- Every container used to store wild-foraged mushrooms must be labeled with the scientific and common name of the mushroom variety in the container. Packaged mushrooms may be identified by the common name only, and shall bear additional labeling in full accordance with current state and federal requirements.
- Written records indicating the quantity, variety, expert identifier, and buyer of the mushrooms shall be retained by the seller for a period of not less than two years. These records shall be made available for MDARD examination upon request.
- Wild mushrooms shall be handled and protected from contamination in accordance with all current state and federal regulations associated with the handling and processing of foods intended for human consumption.
- Vendors are not presently required to hold a license from MDARD in order to sell wild-foraged mushrooms at a farmers market. A mushroom identification expert approved by the State, however, must have identified to species each and every mushroom for sale by a vendor.
- Slicing, drying or other processing of wild-foraged mushrooms must take place in an approved food kitchen licensed by MDARD or a local health department.
If you would like to review the applicable Michigan statute, click on this button: Michigan Statute