Australia recalls gummies due to link to hospital admissions

A warning has been issued in Australia after several people became ill after eating a type of gummy.

People are being urged not to consume Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies after several people went to hospitals across the country with symptoms of toxicity. All cases recovered and were discharged from hospital.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has issued a recall for Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies of the Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane varieties sold online.

The agency said food products containing unapproved new ingredients, such as Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, may cause adverse symptoms if consumed. Oz Brands Pty has recalled all expiry dates and batch codes of the gummies, which come in a 36 gram bag.

State warnings

New South Wales (NSW) Health reported at least five people have been treated in hospitals since April after taking the gummies.

Western Australia (WA) Health said one person in the state had recently been to hospital.

Dr. WA Health Acting Chief Health Officer Paul Armstrong said people who have purchased these products should dispose of them safely, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental consumption.

Victorian health officials revealed there had been “several” hospital presentations linked to the consumption of the gummies.

“People have reported feeling unwell after consuming even a small amount of these products. Studies are underway to determine what is in these products that may be making people feel unwell,” says Dr. Evelyn Wong, Acting Chief Health Officer.

A teenage male was found lifeless in South Australia earlier this month after eating some of the gummies. He was treated and has since recovered.

Dr. Kimberly Humphrey, medical adviser for public health, said the perceived effects of the gummies are alarming.

Reported signs and symptoms of toxicity include nausea and/or persistent vomiting; seizure-like activity and involuntary movements; tension; disturbing hallucinations; drowsiness or loss of consciousness; dizziness or lightheadedness; and a racing heart or heartbeat.

It is not yet clear what may cause the toxicity; it may involve cannabinoids or other substances. The product packaging lists the contents of gummies, including non-psychoactive mushrooms (cordyceps or lion’s mane) and hemp-derived extract. Some packaging lists hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) or cannabidiol (CBD).

“Customers should not eat or open this product and should dispose of it safely or return it to us. All consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” a company statement said.

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