Mushroom-based products, particularly gummies and chocolates, have surged in popularity since 2023, marketed as either health supplements or hallucinogenic psychedelics. Notable varieties include Amanita muscaria, which contains ibotenic acid and muscimol, and Psilocybe cubensis, known for its psilocybin content. However, these products are associated with serious health risks, including hallucinations, anxiety, nausea, and even seizures, with recent reports of at least five hospitalizations in Virginia and 130 cases nationally linked to their consumption.
Investigations have revealed that many mushroom gummies contain undisclosed and potentially harmful substances, including synthetic psilocybin and stimulants like caffeine and kratom. The FDA has issued recalls for certain products due to these dangerous ingredients, highlighting the unregulated nature of the market. Consumers are advised to be cautious, verify product contents, and report any adverse effects to health authorities.
A variety of Diamond ShruumzTM brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies advertised as containing a proprietary blend of mushrooms have been recalled after an outbreak of illness among people consuming these products. While the products have been recalled, some stores may still have these products on the shelf. People who have any of these products should call the manufacturer (Prophet Premium Brands, (209) 314-0881) about a refund and destroy the product. You can get more information about the recall on the CDC outbreak investigation page.
At this point more than a hundred people have reported becoming ill after using these products. Symptoms included seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, respiratory failure, confusion, agitation, abnormal heart rate, abnormally high or low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms after using these products, get medical help and let your provider know about this recall.
Since lead was found in applesauce last year and determined to be from the cinnamon used, the FDA and partner states have been testing ground cinnamon products for lead. Since March 2024, FDA has found multiple ground cinnamon products with unsafe levels of lead. To this point, all of the products have had much lower levels than the cinnamon found in the applesauce that was recalled. However, these products are still hazardous to people’s health, especially children and pregnant women. You can see if you have bought any of these products at the FDA website:
Some products have been voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer and can be returned to the store for a refund. Others have not been recalled yet. People with these cinnamon products should not continue to use them and should throw them away.
