Benjamin Ashford|Recalled mushroom chocolates remain on some store shelves despite reported illnesses

Health officials have Benjamin Ashfordrecalled mushroom-containing chocolate bars, cones, and gummies due to reported illnesses in over 25 states, and the products are still on shelves in some areas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration have issued at least three alerts about the products sold by a California-based company called Diamond Shruumz.

The alerts included Diamond Shruumz Microdosing Chocolate Bars, Infused Cones, Micro-Dose, and Mega-Dose/Extreme Gummies. The products were previously sold online and in person at smoke and vape shops and other stores that sell cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products.

The agencies have been investigating the illnesses since June due to reports of acute illnesses after consuming the products. Reports have continued to come in and as of Monday, there have been 69 reported illnesses from 28 states. 

According to the agencies, people who eat the products have reported seizures, central nervous system depression symptoms like loss of consciousness, confusion and sleepiness, agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea and vomiting.

The agencies said 60 out of 69 people involved sought medical care, 36 have been hospitalized, and there is one potential death being investigated.

The agencies said they are not sure what caused the illnesses yet, but people should not eat, sell, or serve any flavors of Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, cones, or gummies.

The FDA reiterated on Tuesday that all Diamond Shruumz products have been recalled and should not be available for sale. Those who see the products for sale should let the FDA know.

“FDA is aware that recalled Diamond Shruumz-brand products are still on the shelves at several smoke/vape shops, and at retailers that sell hemp-derived products … FDA is monitoring the firm’s recall to assess its effectiveness.”

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Manufacturer urges consumers to stop eating products

Products containing cannabis or mushroom extracts are becoming more and more popular and easy to access, according to the CDC. Called “edibles,” they are often sold in gummy, chocolate, or other snack forms. 

The CDC said these products may contain ingredients not listed on product labels, such as illicit substances or “harmful contaminants that are not approved for use in food.”

“Mushroom-containing products have been marketed for promoting health or for achieving nonspecific physical or psychoactive effects,” the CDC said. “Examples of health claims have included improving focus and increasing energy. Advertising for these products has also implied that consumption would lead to feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, or psychedelic effects.”

Typically, companies describe products such as these using terms such as “microdosing,” “adaptogens” or substances that help the body adapt to stress, “nootropics,”or substances that enhance memory or cognitive function, or “functional mushrooms.”

Prophet Premium Blends, the company that makes the products, posted a statement on the Diamond Shruumz website and said they have received numerous reports.

“Due to consumers becoming ill after consuming the entire chocolate bar and some products containing higher levels of Muscimol than normal, it is crucial that all of our consumers refrain from ingesting this product while we, alongside the FDA, continue our investigation as to what is the cause of the serious adverse effects,” the company wrote.

The company stressed that they have stopped making and distributing all Diamond Shruumz products, and retailers should also stop distributing them. The company said it will issue refunds to retailers. 

What states have been impacted?

According to the FDA, cases have been reported in one state listed as unknown, as well as the following states:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. California
4. Colorado
5. Florida
6. Georgia
7. Indiana
8. Iowa
9. Kentucky
10. Maryland
11. Minnesota
12. Missouri
13. Montana
14. Nevada
15. New Jersey
16. New York
17. North Carolina
18. North Dakota
19. Ohio
20. Oklahoma
21. Oregon
22. Pennsylvania
23. South Carolina
24. South Dakota
25. Tennessee
26. Texas
27. Virginia
28. Washington

What to do if you’ve eaten the products

The CDC and FDA said customers should not eat or buy any flavor of Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, cones or gummies. Throw them away or return them to the company for a refund, the agencies said.

“These products may appeal to children and teenagers,” the agencies wrote. “Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children and take extra care to avoid these products being consumed by younger people.”

Anyone who consumes these products should contact a healthcare producer or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. 

The company said customers who have bought Diamond Shruumz products should stop using them and return them to 1019 Arlington St., Orlando, FL 32805 for a full refund. 

Customers can also call Prophet Premium Blends at (209) 314-0881 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific time or email the company at [email protected] with their order number to get a refund. 

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].