FFederal health officials are investigating a possible death and dozens of illnesses linked to the recall of “microdosing” candies laced with a chemical found in mushrooms and sold online and in vaping shops across the country.
At least 48 people in 24 states reported becoming ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz brand products, including chocolate bars, wafers and gummy bears, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday.
One death was “possibly related” to the outbreak and 27 people were hospitalized, the agency said. Patients reported severe symptoms such as seizures, agitation, abnormal heartbeat and loss of consciousness. The latest illness was reported on Monday, FDA officials said.
Prophet Premium Blends LLC of Santa Ana, California, recalled all of its Diamond Shruumz products late last month because they contain muscimol, a psychoactive chemical found in potentially poisonous fly agarics that may be linked to the illnesses.
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.
Diamond Shruumz products have been sold nationwide in retail stores and online, in smoke and vape shops, and by retailers selling hemp products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 THC.
The FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Poison Control Centers are investigating the outbreak. People who possess these products should stop using them. Anyone who becomes ill after using them should contact a doctor or poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
