Jun 13, 2024 13:10:00

More than 10 people hospitalized after eating chocolate bars and snacks containing a special mushroom ingredient that claims to have 'nootropic' properties

On June 12, 2024 local time,

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , the National Poison Center , and state partner agencies reported that people in eight states have been hospitalized with severe acute illness after eating sweets containing special mushroom ingredients that claim to have nootropic properties.

Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00509 | Severe Illness Potentially Associated with Consuming Diamond ShruumzTM Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00509.asp

Seizures, heart rhythm problems and acidic blood seen in 12 people after eating snacks containing mushrooms | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/health/medicine-drugs/seizures-heart-rhythm-problems-and-acidic-blood-seen-in-12-people-after-eating-snacks-containing-mushrooms

The products in question are chocolate bars, gummies, cones and other products sold by Diamond Shruumz , a candy manufacturer that promotes microdosing of psychoactive substances. These products are sold online and in retail stores across the United States that sell cannabis products.

Officials say a total of 12 people across eight states have been diagnosed with a variety of symptoms that led to them going to the hospital after eating Diamond Shruumz products.

Reported symptoms range from central nervous system depression and seizures, muscle rigidity,

clonus , tremors (trembling of body parts), abnormal bradycardia or tachycardia, abnormally low or high blood pressure, gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), skin flushing, sweating, and metabolic acidosis .

Of the 12 people who were examined by a doctor, 10 were hospitalized, and several patients showed symptoms severe enough to require intubation , mechanical ventilation, or admission to an intensive care unit. As of June 11, no deaths have been confirmed.

Diamond Shruumz claims that the products in question contain an 'excellent proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms,' but claims that they do not contain any hallucinogenic substances like

psilocybin , the active ingredient in magic mushrooms.

Diamond Shruumz products contain ingredients from mushrooms such as reishi and chaga , which the company's website describes as having immune-boosting and stress-relieving properties. Diamond Shruumz claims that these mushrooms contain natural compounds called adaptogens that help people cope with physical, emotional and environmental stress, but there is no strong scientific evidence to support their health effects.

The agency warns, 'There is an increase in products containing psychoactive compounds, such as cannabis and mushroom extracts. These 'edibles' are often sold as gummies, candies, chocolates and other snack foods. The products may contain undisclosed ingredients, including illegal substances or other adulterants, or potentially harmful contaminants not approved for use in food.'

At the time of writing, the cause of the reported symptoms is unknown. Authorities are investigating whether the product may be linked to adverse health effects and are working to identify potential unreported cases.

Officials have advised consumers to 'not eat, sell or give away Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones or gummies, and to discard any of these products that you have purchased.'