Tennessee Health Alert: Severe Illnesses Linked to Diamond Shruumz™ Products

Photo byFelton Davis/Flickr

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has issued a health alert to clinicians statewide following reports of severe acute illnesses and adverse effects of consuming Diamond Shruumz™ brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies. The warning comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of serious health issues linked to these mushroom-containing edible products.

Product Availability and Recall

Despite a recall initiated by the company and warnings from the CDC and FDA, Diamond Shruumz™ products are still being found on shelves in some Tennessee retail locations, including smoke and vape shops, gas stations, and stores selling hemp-derived products. These edibles can also be purchased online. The continued availability of these products has raised significant concerns as complaints of adverse effects persist.

Reported Health Effects

The TDH has documented a range of severe health issues associated with Diamond Shruumz™ products, including:

• Seizures
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Respiratory failure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Hallucinations
• Uncontrolled movements
• Abnormal heart rate (bradycardia or tachycardia)
• High or low blood pressure
• Excessive sweating or secretions
• Flushed skin

As of July 22, 2024, 69 illnesses, including 36 hospitalizations, had been reported across 28 states. Tennessee has reported five cases, and further investigations are ongoing.

Clinical Recommendations

The TDH advises clinicians to take the following actions:

1. Counsel Patients: Advise patients, caregivers, and guardians against purchasing, consuming, or serving Diamond Shruumz™ products.
2. Avoid Mushroom-Containing Edibles: Recommend avoiding all mushroom-containing edible products that claim to produce neurologic, cognitive, or psychoactive effects.
3. High Index of Suspicion: Maintain a high index of suspicion for severe illness in patients presenting with adverse effects after consuming these products.
4. Consult Experts: Contact the Tennessee Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) for medical management guidance. The center is staffed with certified poison information specialists, a board-certified physician, and a medical toxicologist.
5. Report Cases: Report any cases of illness following consumption of mushroom-containing chocolate or similar edibles to the Tennessee Poison Center.

Contact Information

For additional inquiries or to report cases, clinicians can contact the Tennessee Department of Health at mushroom.investigation@tn.gov.

This health alert underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt action in the face of emerging public health threats. The TDH monitors the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Please visit the Tennessee Department of Health website for more information on the health risks associated with Diamond Shruumz™ products.