The FDA first alerted the general public about Diamond Shruumz products after eight people in four states fell ill from consuming the retailer’s microdosing chocolate bars.
The FDA now says that as of July 15, those numbers have ballooned to 69 illnesses across 28 states.
“Sixty (60) of the 69 people have reported seeking medical care, 36 have been hospitalized, and there is one potentially associated death under investigation,” the FDA said.
Microdosing is the practice of taking small doses of a drug, typically psychedelics like psilocybin, to improve creativity and mental health. Microdosing has become trendy in Silicon Valley, even among CEOs.
Diamond Shruumz’s website said its products do not contain psilocybin or any other scheduled drugs.
However, tests conducted by the University of Virginia Health Toxicology Laboratory found psilocin in Diamond Shruumz’s Sour Peach Apple and Rainbow gummies.
Psilocin is a “psychedelic mushroom alkaloid,” according to The Metabolomics Innovation Centre. The DEA considers psilocin a Schedule I controlled substance in some states, including Virginia, where the study was conducted.
The CDC study said five people underwent hospital evaluations between September 2023 and June 2024 after eating gummies labeled to contain Amanita muscaria.
Although Amanita muscaria can sometimes cause undesired symptoms, the report said it’s legal.
“Persons who purchase products advertised as psychedelic or nootropic mushroom gummies should be aware that package labels might not accurately represent the contents and that these products could contain substances that might produce unexpected and potentially toxic effects,” the report said.
Representatives for Diamond Shruumz and the University of Virginia Health Toxicology Laboratory did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
Diamond Shruumz recalled all of its products — including its gummies and chocolate bars — in June after illnesses continued to rise across the country.
The agency said it would monitor Prophet Premium Blends, the company behind Diamond Shruumz, during its recall.
“Consumers should not purchase or consume any Diamond Shruumz-brand products,” the agency added.
