Microdosing candies may be linked to death, illnesses in NY, NJ, other states

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating nearly 50 illnesses — including one possible death — that might be linked to microdosing candies available online and at retailers nationwide.

On Tuesday, the FDA initiated a recall for any flavor of Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. Officials said 48 people in 24 states — including one person in New York, two in New Jersey and two in Pennsylvania — reported feeling ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz candies.

Of those 48 people, 27 of them required hospitalization, officials said, adding one death is “potentially associated” with the outbreak.

The last known case was reported on Monday.

The FDA first announced an investigation into potential illness linked to the eating of Diamond Shruumz’s chocolate bars on June 7, after eight people reported feeling sick.

About three weeks later, on June 27, parent company Prophet Premium Blends announced it was recalling all of its Diamond Shruumz products. According to the firm, the products contain muscimol, a chemical found in some mushrooms that could be related to the reported illnesses.

Symptoms can be “severe” and may include “seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting,” FDA officials said.

Consumers who have any of the recalled candies are being urged to stop using the product immediately, destroy it, and then contact Prophet Premium Blends via phone at 209-314-0881 or email at info@diamondshruumz.com to initiate a refund.

Since those products may appeal to young people, parents and caregivers should take extra care to avoid their consumption by children and teenagers, the FDA said.

Retailers should stop selling the product and contact the company to initiate the return and refund.

If you become ill after consuming these products, contact your healthcare provider, call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a live poison expert, or get online help.