Number of People Falling Ill After Consuming Diamond Shruumz Gummies Rises to 26: CDC

Some of the hospitalized individuals required mechanical ventilation, intubation, and ICU care.

The FDA is investigating Diamond-Shruumz Microdosing candy bars after hospitalizations were reported. Courtesy of the FDA

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the number of people who have fallen ill from consuming “Diamond Shruumz” food products to 26.

“CDC and FDA have received reports of severe acute illnesses and other adverse effects following consumption of Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies reported to multiple poison control centers across the United States,” the agency said in a June 18 update. “As of June 17, 2024, 26 total illnesses, including 16 hospitalizations, have been reported in 16 U.S. states with ongoing efforts to identify other potential cases. No deaths have been reported.”

“People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand products reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting,” the FDA said.

According to the CDC’s warning, the products are “marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushroom.”

Diamond Shruumz products are sold in stores and online at retailers, including ones selling hemp-derived (e.g., cannabidiol [CBD], delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) and smoke/vape products.

By June 11, poison centers received complaints of adverse effects from 12 patients seeking medical attention after consuming Diamond Shruumz items.

The adverse effects included muscle rigidity, abnormal blood pressure, skin flushing, tremor, and gastrointestinal effects. Ten patients were hospitalized, with several of them requiring mechanical ventilation, intubation, and ICU care.

The FDA has been in contact with the company about potentially issuing a voluntary recall. These discussions are still “ongoing,” the agency said.

“Individuals should not eat, sell, or serve any flavors of Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies, and should discard products that have been purchased,” the CDC said. The agencies are also looking at whether other products from the company have similar adverse effects.

The CDC pointed out that common terms for advertising these types of products include “microdosing,” “functional mushrooms,” and “adaptogens.” For instance, the Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars under investigation are advertised as a “microdosing” product.

On its website, Diamond Shruumz says that not all mushrooms used in microdosing are psychedelic and their products are “completely 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 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 FDA and state partners have collected multiple samples of Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars as part of their investigation. An analysis of the samples is underway to determine the cause of the illnesses.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Diamond Shruumz for comment.

The CDC advises people not to consume any gummies, snack items, or edible products claiming to trigger feelings of euphoria, psychedelic effects, or hallucinations.

In case adults do purchase such products, the products must be kept away from children since they could be mistaken for candy, the agency states.

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.