Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Outbreaks & Recalls on July 3, 2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been calling for a toxic mushroom recall for Diamond Shruumz brand products containing the harmful chemical, Muscimol. Officials suggest that this is the chemical involved in so many adverse reactions associated with consuming the product.
This week, Prophet Premium Blends, the company producing the product, finally issued a recall.
Following a cluster of illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand Micdodosing Chocolate Bars resulting in eight illnesses across four state – six of which required hospitalization, the agency initiated an investigation.
As more data began pouring in, additional Diamond Shruumz brand products, such as cones and gummies, were included in the announcement.
Every update added more cases.
By June 11, 2024, 12 people required medical care after consuming the product. 11 were hospitalized.
This jumped to 26 cases with 16 hospitalizations on June 18, 2024.
By June 25, 2025, results from FDA product testing were available and talks of a voluntary recall began to take place.
As of June 28, 2024, there have been 48 total illnesses associated with these toxic mushroom products. At least 27 people have been hospitalized and one death is currently under investigation. The last reported illness was July 1, 2024.
Illnesses have been reported across the country. States with cases include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.
Despite these concerns, Diamond Shruumz potentially toxic mushroom products remained available for sale to the public until June 28, 2024.
According to the FDA announcement, symptoms reported by patients associated with consuming Diamond Shruumz brand products are consistent with exposure to toxic mushroom chemicals.
Reported symptoms include:
Prophet Premium Blends, located in Santa Ana, California finally issued a recall for their Diamond Shruumz products on June 28, 2024. This recall was initiated following verification of laboratory results indicating that these products contain Muscimol.
“All lots or best buy dates and all flavors of Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose) are included in this recall, and in the event the product is missing lot information or best buy dates, all flavors of Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme Dose) products are still included in this recall.”
The complete list of recalled products can be found here.
The chemical, Muscimol, is the potential cause of observed symptoms in outbreak patients.
According to Prophet Premium Blends, the company reviewed laboratory data in the products’ Certificates of Analysis (COAs) following consumer complaints. The firm indicates that the COAs indicate higher than normal amounts of the chemical Muscimol in the product.
As a result, Prophet Premium Blends has ceased production and distribution activities for the Diamond Shruumz product line and while they and the FDA continue the investigation on the serious adverse effects associated with the product.
“Retailers and wholesalers are instructed to discontinue use, stop distribution, quarantine the product immediately, and contact their sales representative.”
Muscimol is the primary compound found in Amanita muscaria mushrooms. These are the iconic red-capped mushrooms associated with psychotropic, or “magic mushrooms.” It is a toxic mushroom that, when consumed in very small doses (micro-doses) has shown to have a positive effect on the body.
Too much Muscimol, on the other hand, can be extremely dangerous.
Muscimol found in these Amanita muscaria mushrooms reacts with GABA receptors in the brain. It reduces central nervous system activities, which attributes to the chemical’s sedative and relaxing qualities.
In larger doses, the chemical can cause significant sensory deprivations, leaving the user with an altered perceptive state and a “dream-like” state of mind.
Micro-dosing Muscimol has been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, relieve muscle pain and inflammation, and promote restorative sleep. Among other uses.
While Muscimol is in the same genre as other toxic mushrooms used recreationally, it doesn’t usually have the same psychedelic effects as psilocybin – the compound found in traditional “magic” mushrooms. Though in high doses, it can cause similar effects.
It can, however, cause adverse effects.
Products containing Muscimol may be used recreationally or “medicinally.”
But is Muscimol legal?
According to ACS Laboratory, Muscimol is unregulated and legal to buy in most U.S. states. At this time, it does not appear on the DEA’s controlled substances list.
Currently, Louisiana bans the use of MuscimolI as an active ingredient.
The FDA doesn’t “specifically approve or regulate” this, or any other mushroom (such as cremini or portobello), and thus is not governed by this agency’s rules.
Unfortunately, this gray area likely accounts for the delayed recall. Without jurisdiction, the FDA was only able to generate a consumer warning, but powerless at compelling product removal from the marketplace.
According to the recall notice, the company has only received 2 consumer complaints about the product. This is a big difference between the overwhelming epidemiological data obtained from toxic mushroom outbreak patients.
If you or a loved on has become sick after consuming Diamond Shruumz products you may have a legal case. The Food Poisoning Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has won millions of dollars for their clients in food poisoning and product liability cases. Trust 20 years of experience and knowledge to represent your family during this stressful time.
Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form to get in touch with a compassionate team member to go over the details of your case.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)