The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning to consumers, urging them to avoid consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies after a dozen people across eight states were hospitalized after eating the products. The FDA is actively investigating the incidents and encouraging people to refrain from eating, selling, or serving any of the brand's products.
In an updated news release on Tuesday, the FDA reported that the number of people hospitalized after consuming Diamond Shruumz products had risen from six on June 7 to 12 as of June 11. The reported symptoms included seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.
The cases have been reported in eight states: Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. While no deaths have been linked to the products thus far, the severity of the symptoms has prompted the FDA to take immediate action.
Diamond Shruumz-brand products, which are marketed as "microdosing" candies, can be purchased online and at various retail locations nationwide, including smoke/vape shops and retailers that sell hemp-derived products. The FDA noted that the full list of retailers is currently unknown, making it challenging to track the distribution of the potentially harmful products.
According to the company's website, Diamond Shruumz products contain a "proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms" but claim to have "no presence of psilocybin, amanita, or any scheduled drugs." However, the FDA's investigation aims to determine the actual contents of the products and their potential link to the reported illnesses.
The FDA has provided a list of tips for concerned consumers, including checking their homes and discarding any Diamond Shruumz products found. The agency also emphasized the importance of discussing the information in this advisory with children and taking extra care to prevent younger people from consuming these products, as they may appeal to children and teenagers due to their candy-like packaging.
If anyone becomes ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz products, the FDA advises them to contact their healthcare provider and/or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
The investigation into the Diamond Shruumz products has expanded, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America's Poison Centers, and state and local agencies joining forces with the FDA to determine the cause of the illnesses and prevent further hospitalizations.
As the investigation continues, the FDA's warning serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to exercise caution when purchasing and consuming products marketed as "microdosing" candies. The potential risks associated with these products, particularly those containing undisclosed or harmful substances, cannot be understated.
The growing number of hospitalizations linked to Diamond Shruumz products across multiple states underscores the importance of swift action by regulatory agencies to protect public health. As more information becomes available, the FDA is expected to provide updates on the investigation and any further steps taken to ensure consumer safety.
In the meantime, consumers are urged to heed the FDA's warning and avoid consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies until the investigation is concluded and the products' safety can be determined.
