FDA expands warning on Diamond Shruumz as illnesses surge

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has intensified its warning against Diamond Shruumz-brand products as reports of severe illnesses linked to the company’s edibles continue to climb.

As of July 15, the FDA reports 69 illnesses across 28 states, with 36 hospitalizations and one death potentially associated with the products. The agency is again strongly advising consumers to avoid all Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies.

“Consumers should not buy or eat any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand (products),” the FDA stated in its latest advisory.

The agency added, “These products may appeal to children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers should consider discussing the information in this advisory with their children.”

Last month, California-based Prophet Premium Blends, LLC, issued a recall of all Diamond Shruumz-brand products after claims of reported illnesses intensified. However, the FDA reports that recalled items are still being found on shelves at various retail locations, including smoke shops and retailers selling hemp-derived products.

“FDA is monitoring the firm’s recall to assess its effectiveness,” the agency noted.

FDA testing of two chocolate bar samples identified compounds including 4-acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, a psychoactive substance, as well as components found in kava. The agency is also investigating the presence of muscimol, a chemical found in some mushrooms, which the company previously suggested could be a potential cause of the reported symptoms.

Reported symptoms among those who fell ill include seizures, central nervous system depression, agitation, abnormal heart rates, and nausea.

The FDA said it is collaborating with the National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Smoke Shop Association to raise awareness of the recall. Consumers who have seen stores continuing to sell recalled products can report that information to the FDA, it said.

The illnesses span a wide geographic area, with the highest number of cases reported in Arizona, Georgia, and Indiana (6 each), followed by Iowa and Kentucky (5 each). Several other states, including Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, have reported multiple cases. The outbreak has affected states from coast to coast, ranging from California and Washington in the West to Florida and New York in the East.

The agency’s investigation is ongoing, with updates promised as more information becomes available.