A range of ‘microdosing chocolate bars” have been linked to eight instances of sickness and six hospitalizations, leading to a nationwide FDA investigation.
Microdosing Chocolate Bars Causing Illness
Eight people have taken ill after eating ‘microdosing’ mushroom chocolate bars, with six people taken to hospital, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration on Friday.
Across Four States
Purported cases occurred across four states: Arizona, Indiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Symptoms involved vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness among others.
Diamond Shruumz
The FDA is now investigating Diamond Shruumz, the brand that sold the chocolate bars, and has issued a series of warnings to people living in states where the product is legally sold.
No Eating, Selling, or Serving
“Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars, and should discard them,” the FDA news release reads.
Children Could be Affected
The advisory also urged anyone who had these products in their home to discard them and parents should take care to discuss the issue with their children, as “this product may appeal to children and teenagers as it is marketed as a candy.”
The Practise of Microdosing
‘Microdosing’ refers to the practice of taking small amounts of a drug, usually a psychedelic, to receive the benefits of the drug without experiencing mind or negative mood-altering side effects.
Microdosing Industry Boom
The legalization of some psychedelic drugs in certain states has led to a boom in the microdosing products industry, with psychedelic companies amassing $163.6 million in investments according to private market analysis software Pitchbook.
No Psychedelic Substances Involved
But in the case of Diamond Shruumz, while they market their products as “microdosing” bars, they actually do not contain any psychedelic drugs according to the company.
“Nootropic and Functional” Mushrooms Only
On its official website, the chocolate bars are described as containing a “proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms.” The company also emphasized the product’s lack of psychedelic substances in the website’s FAQ sections.
“Proprietary Blend of Natural Ingredients”
“Our Diamond Shruumz products are meticulously crafted with a proprietary blend of natural ingredients” the section states. “There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita, or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Assurances for Customers
“Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience,” it continued.
Alarm Bells Ringing
Despite these reassurances, the physical reactions from these 8 customers have rang serious alarm bells. So far, it is unclear which, if any, of the “nootropic and functional” ingredients have caused these reactions.
“Clearly Something Toxic” Involved
Steve Dudley, the Director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, spoke about the issue in a release by Phoenix-based non-profit health system Banner Health, claiming that there was “clearly something toxic” in the Diamond Shruumz products.
The Same Phenomenon Repeated
“While these products claim to contain only natural ingredients and no scheduled drugs, there is clearly something toxic occurring,” Dudley elaborated. “We’ve seen the same phenomenon of people eating the chocolate bar then seizing, losing consciousness, and having to be intubated.”
Alarming Health Issues
These products have been linked to a long list of alarming health issues based on the 8 reported cases. These included “seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.”
Appropriate Next Steps
“The FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering the appropriate next steps. More information will be provided as it becomes available,” the FDA news release emphasized.
No Deaths Yet
So far no deaths have been attributed to the bars, and the FDA investigations are being aided by the nation’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state partners. They are working to obtain a list of every retailer that is selling these products in the US.
Sales Discontinued
Retailers have also been urged to discontinue all sales of the chocolate bars, as well as keep the products in a “secure location” until the FDA can provide further instructions.
For Those Affected
Anyone who consumes Diamond Shruumz micro-dosing chocolate bars and becomes sick as a result is being urged to seek immediate medical assistance, or to call the US Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
No Response from the Company
So far Diamond Shruumz has made no direct responses to the FDA report or the six hospitalizations.
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The post – FDA Alert On Microdosing Mushroom Chocolate Bars After Six People Hospitalized – first appeared on Liberty & Wealth.
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