Diamond Shruumz Edibles Outbreak: Health Risks & FDA Investigation

Diamond Shruumz-Brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies: An Emerging Health Concern

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively investigating a significant outbreak of illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushroom. As of July 15, 2024, the outbreak has expanded to alarming proportions, with 69 reported cases documented across 28 states, resulting in 36 hospitalizations and one potential death since June 2024. This emerging public health issue has raised serious concerns about the safety of mushroom-containing edible products sold in the United States and the regulatory challenges surrounding these marketed functional food items.

Diamond Shruumz products are typically labeled as containing proprietary blends of mushrooms such as reishi and lion’s mane, marketed under names like “Microdosing Chocolate Bars” and “Infused Cones.” However, investigations have revealed that these products contain undisclosed psychoactive compounds that pose significant health risks to consumers. This article examines the outbreak, its health implications, and important safety information consumers need to know.

Understanding the Outbreak

Timeline and Scope of Illnesses

The outbreak began in June 2024 when multiple poison control centers across the United States started receiving reports of severe illnesses following consumption of Diamond Shruumz products. Initial reports in early June indicated 12 total illnesses with 10 hospitalizations across eight U.S. states. However, the situation rapidly escalated, with cases continuing to accumulate throughout the month. By mid-June, additional states including Michigan, California, and South Carolina reported poisonings requiring hospitalization. The geographic distribution of cases from coast to coast indicates these products were distributed widely through online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores selling hemp-derived products, CBD, delta-8 THC, and smoke/vape items.

South Carolina alone reported seven poisonings requiring hospitalization associated with Diamond Shruumz or other mushroom-containing chocolate products, highlighting regional hotspots of the outbreak. The rapid increase in reported cases and the severity of symptoms prompted urgent action from federal and state health authorities.

Product Recall and Manufacturer Response

On June 27, 2024, Prophet Premium Blends, LLC of Santa Ana, California, initiated a recall of all flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies. The manufacturer stated that these products contain muscimol, a chemical found in some mushrooms, that could be a potential cause of symptoms observed in individuals who became ill after consuming their products. However, subsequent laboratory testing revealed the presence of more dangerous substances than initially disclosed.

Laboratory Findings and Undisclosed Ingredients

Identification of Psychoactive Compounds

FDA and state laboratory testing revealed alarming findings regarding the actual contents of Diamond Shruumz products. As of June 25, 2024, test results for two individual Dark Chocolate Bars collected from retail stores identified the presence of 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin), a synthetic psychoactive compound. This discovery raised critical questions about product formulation, quality control, and whether consumers were unknowingly ingesting controlled substances.

The presence of these undisclosed compounds is particularly concerning because the product labeling did not indicate their presence. Consumers purchasing these items believed they were consuming naturally-derived mushroom products for purported health benefits, when in reality they were ingesting synthetic psychoactive substances. Laboratory officials noted that there may be variability in test results across products with different formulations as well as potential variability across lots and batches of the same product.

Ongoing Testing and Analysis

The FDA and CDC medical officers have been working to interpret these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemical substances and determine appropriate next steps. Additional testing for Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars and other Diamond Shruumz-brand products has been ongoing, with FDA and state partners collecting multiple samples for comprehensive analysis.

Reported Symptoms and Health Effects

Severe Neurological and Systemic Symptoms

Individuals who became ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz products reported a variety of severe symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. The most alarming reported symptoms include:

• Seizures and convulsions
• Central nervous system depression with sedation and confusion
• Muscle rigidity and tremors
• Abnormal heart rates (bradycardia or tachycardia)
• Abnormal blood pressure (hypotension or hypertension)
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Skin flushing and excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
• Metabolic acidosis with increased anion gap

Hospitalization and Critical Care Requirements

The severity of symptoms resulted in a high hospitalization rate among affected individuals. Of the 36 people hospitalized in connection with Diamond Shruumz consumption, several required intubation and mechanical ventilation, with some patients admitted to intensive care units. These life-threatening complications underscore the serious danger posed by these products. Fortunately, as of the most recent reports, no deaths had been directly attributed to Diamond Shruumz consumption, though one potential death was under investigation.

The Broader Context: Unregulated Edibles and “Functional” Mushroom Products

Marketing Claims and Health Assertions

Diamond Shruumz products are part of a growing market of edible products containing psychoactive compounds marketed with various health and wellness claims. These products have been advertised with terms such as “microdosing,” “adaptogens” (substances purported to help the body adapt to stress), “nootropics” (substances claimed to enhance memory or cognitive function), and “functional mushrooms.” Marketing materials have implied that consumption would lead to improved focus, increased energy, feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, or psychedelic effects.

The use of these marketing terms creates a false impression of safety and legitimacy. While many ingredients are derived from natural sources, the FDA and health authorities emphasize that “natural” does not automatically mean “safe.” Additionally, these products might contain undisclosed ingredients, including illicit substances, other adulterants, or potentially harmful contaminants that are not approved for use in food.

Regulatory Gaps and Product Variability

One significant concern identified during the investigation is that some products containing prescription drugs or other ingredients not listed on packaging have been found in the marketplace. The lack of consistent regulation and quality control in the edibles industry has created an environment where dangerous and misformulated products can reach consumers. The fact that Diamond Shruumz products may have had variability across different formulations and even across different lots and batches of the same product demonstrates the absence of manufacturing standards in this sector.

Public Health Recommendations

Consumer Guidance

Federal and state health authorities have issued clear guidance for consumers regarding Diamond Shruumz and similar products:

• Do not consume any flavors of Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies
• Discard any Diamond Shruumz products that have been purchased
• Avoid consuming mushroom-containing edible products claiming to produce neurologic, cognitive, or psychoactive effects
• Do not consume chocolate, gummies, snack foods, or other edible products claiming to produce feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, or psychedelic effects
• Store edibles and other products that contain mushrooms, THC, or CBD safely away from children, as children may mistake some edibles for candy

Healthcare Provider Recommendations

Healthcare providers have been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for severe illness in any patient who recently consumed Diamond Shruumz or similar products presenting with adverse effects. Clinical staff should be alert for the constellation of symptoms described above and should inquire about recent consumption of mushroom-containing, THC-containing, or CBD-containing edibles when evaluating patients with unexplained neurological symptoms, cardiac abnormalities, or other manifestations consistent with Diamond Shruumz toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is in Diamond Shruumz products?

A: While Diamond Shruumz products are labeled as containing proprietary blends of mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane, testing has revealed the presence of 4-acetoxy-DMT, a synthetic psychoactive compound. The exact formulation may vary across different product lines and batches.

Q: How many people have been affected by the Diamond Shruumz outbreak?

A: As of July 15, 2024, there have been 69 reported cases across 28 states, resulting in 36 hospitalizations. South Carolina alone reported 7 cases requiring hospitalization.

Q: What should I do if I have consumed Diamond Shruumz products?

A: If you have consumed these products and experience any symptoms such as seizures, abnormal heart rate, confusion, or other severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Call emergency services (911) or your local poison control center. Inform medical professionals that you have consumed Diamond Shruumz products.

Q: Are all mushroom-containing edibles dangerous?

A: Not necessarily, but edibles claiming to produce neurologic, cognitive, or psychoactive effects may contain undisclosed or misformulated ingredients that can cause severe adverse health effects. Consumers should avoid such products entirely.

Q: What is the difference between edibles marketed as “natural” and those that are regulated?

A: “Natural” does not automatically mean safe. Natural products may still contain harmful, undisclosed, or unapproved ingredients. Regulated pharmaceutical and food products undergo rigorous safety testing and quality control, whereas many edible products lack such oversight.

Q: Where were Diamond Shruumz products sold?

A: These products were distributed online and at retailers that sell hemp-derived products (CBD, delta-8 THC) and smoke/vape products nationwide.

Key Takeaways for Consumers

The Diamond Shruumz outbreak represents a significant public health concern highlighting the dangers of unregulated edible products marketed with health or psychoactive claims. The identification of undisclosed synthetic psychoactive compounds in products labeled as containing only natural mushroom blends demonstrates that marketing claims cannot be trusted without independent verification.

Consumers must understand that products marketed as “functional,” “adaptogenic,” “nootropic,” or containing purported psychoactive effects may contain dangerous and misformulated ingredients. The absence of rigorous FDA oversight for many edible products creates opportunities for manufacturers to make false claims and include harmful substances.

If you or someone you know has consumed Diamond Shruumz products and is experiencing unusual symptoms, particularly neurological symptoms such as seizures, abnormal heart rate, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate emergency medical care. Contact your local poison control center or call 911.

The FDA and state health departments continue to investigate this outbreak and monitor for additional cases. Consumers should remain vigilant about the products they purchase and consume, particularly those making health or psychological benefit claims without clear regulatory approval and quality assurance.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to renewcure,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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