Two dozen now hospitalized in outbreak traced to edibles; undisclosed chemicals found in products

Company still refusing to initiate recall

As the patient grows, public health officials have determined chocolate bars sold under the Diamond Shruumz brand are tainted 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 have required hospitalization. A variety of serious reactions have been reported, including respiratory failure.

The Diamond Shruumz brand products are being 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 available yet.

The Food and Drug Administration is working with state officials as well as America’s Poison Control Centers on the investigation into the outbreak.

The FDA has asked the company to recall the implicated products, but the firm has refused. Talks with the company are ongoing.

Samples of chocolate bars have revealed 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)
  • desmethoxyyangonin
  • 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 ongoing 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:

• Seizures
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Respiratory failure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Hallucinations
• Uncontrolled movements
• Abnormal heart rate (e.g., too fast or too slow)
• High or low blood pressure
• Excessive sweating or secretion
• Flushed skin

The FDA recommends that people not purchase or consume any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies from any retail or online locations. Also, consumers should check their homes for the products and throw them away.

The CDC outbreak update says people should not consume chocolate, gummies, snack foods, or other edible products that claim to produce feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, or psychedelic effects. They might contain undisclosed ingredients linked to severe illness.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here)