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Additional illnesses reported in the outbreak have been traced to edibles; more chemicals in products

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Additional illnesses reported in the outbreak have been traced to edibles; more chemicals in products

The FDA continues to test Diamond Shruumz edibles and has found more products containing harmful chemicals.

So far, 113 people have been sickened in 28 states, with 42 hospitalizations and two deaths linked to edibles marketed under the Diamond Shruumz brand.

Patients have reported a variety of symptoms, including respiratory failure, seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, drowsiness), agitation, abnormal heart rate, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.

After initially refusing to recall products, Prophet Premium Blends LLC remembered all Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars, gummies and cones. As part of the recall, the company reported that the products contained muscimol, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

“To date, the FDA has tested 19 samples of chocolate bars and one crude ingredient reportedly used in the production of some Diamond Shruumz brand products. Six of 19 chocolate bar samples and the raw ingredient were found to contain muscimol,” the FDA outbreak update said.

“Muscimol is not present in all products and cannot explain all symptoms reported by ill patients consuming Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars.”

In addition to muscimol, FDA analyzes of Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bar samples identified the presence of the following compounds:

  • Acetylpsilocin (also known as 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 4-acetoxy-DMT, O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin) was found in nine chocolate bar samples;
  • Psilocin, a Schedule I controlled substance, was found in four chocolate bar samples;
  • Pregabalin, a prescription drug, was found in three chocolate bar samples; And
  • Desmethoxyyangonin, dihydrokavain and kavain (kavalactones found in the kava plant) were all present together in 15 chocolate bar samples.

Results in one table found here demonstrate different compounds present in different flavors of chocolate bars, but even for the same flavor of chocolate bar there can be variations in which compounds are present.

Although these compounds have known effects individually when taken, there is less research on the interactions between these compounds when taken together. FDA and CDC medical officials interpret these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemicals and to determine appropriate next steps.

Additional testing is underway for the aforementioned Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, and the product table will be updated as sample results, including results for cones and gummies, become available.

The Food and Drug Administration is aware that recalled Diamond Shruumz brand products remain on the shelves at several smoke/vape shops and at retailers selling hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol ( delta-8 THC). The FDA is monitoring the company’s recall to assess its effectiveness.

The FDA is working with the National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Smoke Shop Association to raise awareness about the recall. All Diamond Shruumz brand products have been recalled and are no longer available for sale. Consumers may not purchase or consume Diamond Shruumz branded products. If you have spotted a store that continues to sell recalled Diamond Shruumz brand products, you can do so report this information to the FDA.

Consumers are urged to check their homes for recalled products and to throw them away if they have them on hand.

Anyone who experiences side effects after consuming any of the recalled products is urged to seek immediate medical attention, especially if they have difficulty breathing.

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