Microdose mushroom chocolates have hospitalized people in 8 states, FDA warns

Health officials are again warning people not to consume a brand of microdosing mushroom-infused treats after the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Association (FDA) announced even more people have become ill after eating them.

The FDA issued an initial warning on June 7, saying a 'severe' illness associated with some Diamond Shruumz Microdosing Mushroom Chocolate Bars had landed several people in the hospital suffering medical issues including seizures, vomiting and abnormal heart rate.

Originally, the FDA, in tandem with the Centers for Disease Control and America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners, said it was investigating eight illnesses reported from four states, six of which landed people in the hospital.

In a recent update, the FDA has reported additional illnesses, bringing the total up to 12 reported cases and 10 hospitalizations across eight states. It also expanded its warning from focusing on Diamond-Shruumz chocolates to include all Diamond-Shruumz products.

Here is what you need to know about health officials' warnings including which products are making people sick.

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Which mushroom candies are making people sick?

All Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing sweets are included in the FDA warning, including Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. 

All types of the Diamond Shruumz Chocolate Bars and Gummies, both of which come in various quantities and flavors, are subject to the warning. All flavors of Diamond Shruumz Cones, which are ice cream cone-style treats, are also covered by the warning.

What states are affected by Diamond Shruumz Microdosing Mushroom products

As of June 11, 2024, a total of 12 illnesses have been reported in eight states:

•  Alabama (1 case)
• Arizona (4)
• Indiana (2)
• Kentucky (1)
• Missouri (1)
• Nevada (1)
• Pennsylvania (1)
• South Carolina (1)

Where are the mushroom candies sold?

The candies are sold nationwide online and in person at a variety of retail locations including smoke and vape shops, as well as at retailers selling hemp-derived products including cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC).

A complete list of retailers selling the product is not known, the FDA reported. The investigation is ongoing.

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What are the symptoms of the Diamond Shruumz candy illness?

According to the FDA, all 12 people who fell ill have reported seeking medical care and 10 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported as of June 11.

According to the Diamond Shruumz website, the chocolate bars are made with a "primo proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms." The website also claims its products are "Lab Tested For Potency, Quality, And Safety."

It was not immediately known what caused the illness but people who became ill after eating the product reported a variety of symptoms including:

• Seizures
• Central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness)
• Agitation
• Abnormal heart rates
• Hypertension (Blood pressure too high) and hypotension (Blood pressure too low)
• Nausea
• Vomiting

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FDA: Throw the affected mushroom candies right away

The FDA advises safely disposing of any Diamond Shruumz-brand products. Consumers who may have the products in their homes should immediately discard them if found. Diamond Shruumz products should not be eaten, sold or served.

The agency also advised parents and adults to discuss the advisory with children and teenagers, as the products are marketed as candy and may appeal to younger consumers.

Retailers should not sell or distribute any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand items and should hold any stock in a secure location until additional instructions can be provided on how to return or safely dispose of the product.

Anyone who becomes ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz chocolates, gummies or cones should call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 and/or contact their healthcare provider immediately.