Writing in Healthy and Organic Living about his love of organic foods, television chef and presenter Antony Worrall Thompson said henbane - which also goes by the name stinking nightshade - tasted great in salads. He added that it grew abundantly and was valued by the ancient Greeks and Arabs for its anaesthetic properties.

However, henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is, in fact, toxic and can lead to hallucinations, fits, vomiting and, in extreme cases, death.

It appears the well-known chef had confused the plant with another of a similar name - fat hen, which is packed with Vitamin C.

The magazine printed the following urgent warning: "Henbane is a very toxic plant and should never be eaten. As always, check with an expert when foraging or collecting wild plants."

However, fat hen can also be considered harmful due to its high level of nitrates, but cases of poisoning are rare.

Worrall Thompson was reported in the media as saying the confusion had been "a bit embarrassing".

"There have been no reports of any casualties," he said. "Please do pass on my apologies."