If the collector is not an expert at identifying edible wild plants and mushrooms, there is a danger that poisonous varieties were harvested. Consumption of certain varieties can lead to illness or death.

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.

To be approved to sell wild mushrooms, wild or other wild plants in Michigan the vendor must satisfy all of the following provisions:

1. The seller must be recognized as appropriately trained and competent in the identification of safe botanical and mycological varieties. Alternatively, the seller may employ a recognized expert.
2. The seller shall submit a written statement to the Michigan Department of Agriculture Food & Dairy Division Office identifying the person who will verify the species and the procedure for safeguarding against the sale of potentially injurious mushrooms. The statement shall include a description of that person's education, experience and expertise.
3. Each individual wild mushroom shall be inspected and identified by the recognized expert. Only those identified as safe may be sold.
4. Each storage container of mushrooms shall be labeled with the scientific and common name of the mycological variety. Packaged mushrooms may be identified by the common name only and shall bear additional labeling in full accordance with current state and federal requirements.
5. Written records that indicate the quantity, variety, expert identifier, and buyer of the mushrooms shall be retained by the packer for a period of not less than two years. These records shall be made available for MDA examination upon request.
6. 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.
7. The vendor is not presently required to hold a license from MDA for any given farmers' market, but slicing, other processing or warehousing of wild mushrooms must take place in an approved food establishment licensed by MDA or a local health department.