Two dozen are now hospitalized due to an outbreak linked to edibles; undisclosed chemicals found in products

Company still refuses to initiate a recall

As the caseload grows, public health officials have found that chocolate bars sold under the Diamond Shruumz brand are contaminated with dangerous chemicals.

At least 39 people have reported serious reactions to the chocolate bars, as well as gummies and cones. Twenty-three of them required hospitalization. Several serious reactions have been reported, including respiratory failure.

Diamond Shruumz brand products are sold nationwide online and at retailers such as vape shops and retailers that sell hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC). A list of the specific retailers is not yet available.

The Food and Drug Administration is working with state officials and the U.S. Poison Control Centers to investigate the outbreak.

The FDA asked the company to recall the affected products, but the company declined. Discussions with the company are ongoing.

Samples of chocolate bars have shown the presence of the following:

• Diamond Shruumz dark chocolate bar
  • 4-acetoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin)
  • demethoxyyangonin
  • dihydrokavain
  • kavain
• Diamond Shruumz Birthday Cake Chocolate Bar
  • 4-acetoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin)

Additional testing is underway and will be reported by the FDA as it becomes available.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms reported by patients include:

• To attack
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Respiratory failure
• Nausea
• Vomit
• Stomach ache
• Hallucinations
• Uncontrolled movements
• Abnormal heart rate (for example, too fast or too slow)
• High or low blood pressure
• Excessive sweating or discharge
• Red skin

The FDA recommends that people do not purchase or consume any flavor of Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones or gummies in stores or online locations. Consumers should also check their homes for the products and throw them away.

The CDC outbreak update says people should not consume chocolate, gummies, snacks or other edibles that claim to cause feelings of euphoria, hallucinations or psychedelic effects. They may contain secret ingredients linked to serious illness.

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