Major edibles recall issued after people across the US get sick

Officials are investigating an outbreak linked to edibles sold in smoke and vape shops across the country that have sent three dozen people to the hospital and are possibly linked to one death.

A nationwide recall was issued in late June for all Diamond Shruumz brand infused cones, chocolate bars and gummies, but officials are concerned the products are still being offered for sale as the number of illnesses linked to the items continues to grow.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , as of July 15 a total of 69 illnesses have been reported in 28 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Sixty of the 69 people have reported seeking medical care and 36 have been hospitalized. There is also one potentially associated death under investigation.

People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz products reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea and vomiting.

Prophet Premium Blends, the California-based manufacturer, said the products contain muscimol, a chemical found in some mushrooms, that could be a potential cause of the symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration and state partners have been collecting multiple samples of Diamond Shruumz products for testing and analysis. So far, testing on two chocolate bars has revealed the presence of multiple substances, including:
• 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-acetoxy-DMT, also known as O-acetylpsilocin or psilacetin)
• desmethoxyyangonin
• dihydrokavain
• kavain

"FDA and CDC medical officers are interpreting these test results to understand the health risks of ingesting these chemical substances and to determine the appropriate next steps," the FDA said.

Despite the recall, officials say the items are still on the shelves at smoke shops and other retail locations in multiple states. The FDA said it is working with the National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Smoke Shop Association to increase awareness of the recall.

Since the products may appeal to children, the FDA is suggesting that parents and caregivers consider talking about the recall with their children and "take extra care to avoid these products being consumed by younger people."

All Diamond Shruumz-brand products -- including 22 different varieties of microdosing chocolate bars, infused cones and micro/mega-dose gummies -- have been recalled and should not be sold or consumed. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products or return them to the company for a refund.

Anyone who becomes ill after consuming these products should contact a healthcare provider or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.