FDA: Recalled Microdosing Candies Linked to Reports of Illness Still on Shelves

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating Diamond-Shruumz Microdosing candy bars after hospitalizations were reported. (Courtesy of the FDA)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned this week that several stores are still selling previously recalled mushroom-infused products from the brand Diamond Shruumz.

On July 16, the FDA said in an update posted to its website that the recalled “microdosing” candies laced with a chemical found in mushrooms “are still on the shelves at several smoke/vape shops, and at retailers that sell hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC).”

Prophet Premium Blends, a California-based firm, recalled its Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies nationwide on June 27 after receiving dozens of reports of people falling ill after consuming them.

The agency did not say which states or stores the products are still available, but noted that it is “monitoring the firm’s recall to assess its effectiveness.”

NTD has contacted the FDA for further comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

The FDA said it is working with the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the National Smoke Shop Association to “increase awareness” that Diamond Shruumz recalled all flavors of the products in late June, and stressed the mushroom-infused candies “should not be available for sale.”

In a statement on June 28, the NACS urged retailers to stop selling Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies after the FDA issued its public safety alert.

Meanwhile, the FDA is asking people who might have seen the recalled products still available at stores to forward this information.

Customers who purchased any of the recalled products are urged to stop using them, destroy them, and contact Prophet Premium Blends at 209-314-0881 or email [email protected] with their order number to initiate a refund.

FDA Investigation

The products were recalled after an FDA review found they contained “higher than normal amounts” of Muscimol—a potent psychoactive compound derived from mushrooms of the genus Amanita.

“Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with those observed in persons who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products,” the FDA said in a notice.

A complete list of the 22 recalled products with UPCs and images can be found on the FDA website.

As of July 15, at least 69 people in 28 states said they fell ill after consuming the recalled products, according to the FDA. This is up from 58 illnesses last week.

One death is “potentially associated” with the outbreak, and 30 people have been hospitalized, the FDA said, warning reported symptoms include seizures, agitation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rates, and hypertension or hypotension.

The FDA has launched a joint investigation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America’s Poison Centers, and state and local partners to determine whether other products are associated with adverse health effects, the CDC said in a statement.

Health Advisory

According to a CDC health alert issued on June 12, the products are marketed for microdosing, which means taking very small doses of a psychedelic drug to achieve supposed benefits while minimizing negative side effects.

Common terms for advertising these types of products also include “functional mushrooms” and “adaptogens,” according to the CDC.

On its website, Diamond Shruumz says that not all mushrooms used in microdosing are psychedelic, and its products are legal.

“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,” 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 that claim 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, he or she should immediately seek medical attention or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.

From NTD News