Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 1, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and America’s Poison Centers warn against microdosing mushrooms as a current outbreak has spanned eight U.S. states. The Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing mushrooms products are at the center of an investigation on 12 illnesses, including 10 hospitalizations potentially associated with the company’s chocolate bars, cones, and gummies containing a “proprietary blend” of mushrooms.
Both the CDC Health Alert Network and the FDA’s Foodborne Illness Outbreaks page are updating information as the investigation continues.
Here’s what we know about these illnesses and their connection to Diamond Shruumz products so far.
An investigation was initiated after an initial eight illnesses from four different states requiring medical care were linked to consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars. All cases needed medical care. However, six were serious enough to require hospitalization.
By June 7, 2024, there were cases in four states. Arizona, Indiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
An update on June 11, 2024, indicated that the illnesses may not be limited to the microdosing mushroom chocolate bars. Other Diamond Shruumz products, such as cones and gummies are now included in the advisory. The case count rose again with the update.
The current confirmed cases involved in this microdosing mushrooms outbreak is now 12. All requiring medical care and 10 serious enough to require hospitalization.
Four additional states were also added to the roster. So far, there have been illnesses in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
There have been no deaths associated with this adverse effect event so far.
At this time, the company has not officially recalled the product. Since the product may be in retail circulation, the FDA issued a recommendation to not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of the Diamond Shruumz-brand products.
This includes all chocolate bars, cones, and gummies containing microdoses of psychotropic mushrooms.
These products may appeal to children and teenagers and is marketed as a candy. Parents and caregivers are advised to consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children.
The FDA advises retailers to not sell or distribute any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies. The notice indicates that these retailers should hold the product “in a secure location until additional instructions can be provided on how to return or safely dispose of the product.”
These products were available for purchase online and in person at a variety of retail locations across the country. They may be sold in smoke/vape shops and with retailers selling hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC).
There are many different types of mushrooms.
Most people are familiar with the ones used for culinary applications. These are ones you can easily find in grocery stores and are not harmful. Button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and others.
Then there are what are known as adaptogenic mushrooms. These are superfoods touted for their immune boosting, heart health, anti-inflammatory, and focus benefits. These are also often used in culinary applications. In fact, Lions Mane mushrooms are often used as a “vegan steak” option due to its meaty texture. Other adaptogenic mushrooms include Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Shitake, and Maitake. They are often referred to as “functional mushrooms.”
And then you have the ones colloquially referred to as “magic mushrooms.” It is these mushrooms that are supposedly microdosed to achieve a sense of relaxation and reduce anxiety, increase energy, and improve focus. However, these mushrooms can also cause euphoria, hallucinations, or psychedelic effects. And in some cases, serious illness.
It is unclear at this time what is making people sick?
Is the “microdose” too high?
Perhaps.
But there could be other contaminants in the product responsible for these adverse effects.
These “edibles” may contain additional, undisclosed ingredients. Things like illicit substances, certain adulterants, or potentially harmful contaminants that are not approved for use in food.
Consuming psychotropic mushrooms, even in small doses, can cause serious adverse effects.
Those reported that they became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand products complained of a variety of symptoms.
These included:
Several patients required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and were admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).
Other potential side effects of consuming psychoactive compounds found in microdosing mushrooms include:
If you begin having symptoms after consuming microdosed mushroom products, seek medical attention immediately or call the Poison Help Line – 1-800-222-1222 for advice.
Poison Help Line
1-800-222-1222
Your condition can quickly worsen. Don’t delay.
Have you or a loved one become sick after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies and experienced an adverse reaction? The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC Food Poisoning Lawyers have successfully helped families with food adulteration cases. Reach out for a free consultation to go over the details of your situation and determine if you have a legal case.
Call (833) 330-3663 or click here for a free consultation.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “FDA and CDC Warn Against Microdosing Mushrooms as a Current Outbreak Sickens 12 So Far,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)