A California-based firm is recalling mushroom-infused products nationwide following dozens of reports of people falling ill after consuming them.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in a notice shared on its website that Santa Ana-based Prophet Premium Blends has issued a recall of its Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies (micro- and mega/extreme-dose) as the products contain “higher than normal amounts” of Muscimol—a potent psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms.
“Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products,” the notice reads.
The FDA warned that reported symptoms have included seizures, agitation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rates, and hypertension or hypotension.
So far, 39 illnesses believed to be linked to the recalled chocolates and sweets have been reported, according to the FDA. These illnesses have resulted in 23 hospitalizations as of June 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week.
Cases have been reported in 20 states so far, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The CDC said consumers have reported cases of “severe acute illnesses and other adverse effects” to multiple poison control centers throughout the nation.
The FDA said Prophet Premium Blends initiated the recall on June 27 and has since “ceased the production and distribution of the Diamond Shruumz product line” as the FDA continues to investigate.
Recalled Products
The recalled cones, chocolate bars, and gummies were distributed nationwide through retail stores and mail orders.All lots and best-by dates of all flavors of the products are included in this recall, according to the FDA. In the case of products missing information or best-by dates, they are “still included in this recall,” the agency noted.
In addition, retailers and wholesalers should not sell or distribute any of the products. Instead, they should “quarantine the product immediately and contact their sales representative to initiate the return and refund.”
Health Advisory
According to a CDC health alert issued on June 12, the products are “marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushroom.”The CDC pointed out that common terms for advertising these types of products include “microdosing,” “functional mushrooms,” and “adaptogens.”
“Legal mushrooms like those we use here at Diamond Shruumz, such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga, do not induce any of those effects associated with the illegal counterparts and instead have been shown to potentially help with your overall health and cognitive function,” it said.
“The mushrooms that we use in our products are completely legal and permitted for use, just like the many other natural supplements and plant extracts used elsewhere in the wellness industry.”
The CDC is advising people not to consume any gummies, snack items, or edible products claiming to trigger feelings of euphoria, psychedelic effects, or hallucinations.
The agency is also encouraging people to safely store away such products from children because they could be mistaken for candy.
If an individual is experiencing negative symptoms after consuming the items, they should immediately seek medical attention or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
