COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is warning consumers not to eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, gummies, or cones. These products, which were recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June, have been linked to severe illness, including seizures, nervous system depression, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rate, mental confusion, nausea and vomiting.
“DPH has been working closely with our partners at the Palmetto Poison Center and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services to investigate these poisonings in South Carolina and ensure that these dangerous products are no longer on shelves in our state,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH director.
Use of these products has been linked to poisonings in 74 people across 28 states with a high hospitalization rate, including two potentially associated deaths. South Carolina has reported seven poisonings that required hospitalization associated with Diamond Shruumz or other mushroom-containing chocolate products.
“Poison centers across the United States, including the Palmetto Poison Center, which serves all of South Carolina, have received reports of severe toxicity from the consumption of Diamond Shruumz- brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies.” said Dr. William Richardson, Medical Director of Palmetto Poison Center.
Some people experiencing illness after consuming the products were critically ill and required intensive medical treatment.
A recall of Diamond Shruumz products was issued on June 27. However, these products may still be on shelves in some stores or available for purchase online.
Commonly called microdose “edibles,” these products contain a proprietary blend of mushrooms and other ingredients which are not regulated by the FDA for safety.
Here is what people should do with products in their possession:
Do not eat, sell, or serve, any flavor of Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, gummies, or cones.
Throw away any remaining Diamond Shruumz products regardless of product batch or lot.
Keep these and any “edibles” away from children and teenagers. These products may appeal to children and teenagers because they look like candy.
Parents and caregivers may consider warning children and teenagers about consuming these products.
Retailers should remove any recalled products from shelves immediately.
“We are mobilizing our network of prevention professionals to help inform retailers about the recall of Diamond Shruumz products, but it is also vital that parents and caregivers talk to our state’s young people about the dangers of such products” said Sara Goldsby, Director of the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.
“Our first priority is protecting our children’s safety and health. When it comes to talking about the dangers of substances like the mushrooms in Diamond Shruumz products, it’s best to have conversations early and often, and our Open Conversation SC initiative provides the necessary tools at openconversationsc.com.”
To report a poisoning, call South Carolina’s Palmetto Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Visit the FDA’s website for more information on the agency’s investigation of Diamond Shruumz-brand products.
