CDC warns of illnesses linked to Diamond Shruumz mushroom chocolates
What specific symptoms have been reported by individuals who consumed Diamond Shruumz products?
Individuals who consumed Diamond Shruumz products have 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 vomiting5. These symptoms have led to hospitalizations and severe illnesses.
What steps has the CDC taken in response to the reported illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz products?
The CDC has taken several steps in response to the reported illnesses associated with Diamond Shruumz products. These steps include:
- Investigating the series of illnesses associated with eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies in collaboration with America's Poison Centers and state and local partners24.
- Issuing a public health alert warning consumers to avoid consuming any flavor of Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, or Gummies and to discard any products they may have.
- Advising retailers not to sell or distribute the products and to hold them in a secure location until further instructions are provided on how to return or safely dispose of the products.
- Collaborating with poison centers, healthcare providers, and local health departments to track and report cases of illnesses associated with the products.
- Encouraging consumers who have symptoms after consuming these products to contact their healthcare provider and/or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
- Working with the FDA to determine the cause of the illnesses and considering appropriate next steps.
How do the regulatory requirements for dietary supplements differ from those for prescription medications in the U.S.?
Regulatory Requirements for Dietary Supplements vs. Prescription Medications
In the United States, the regulatory requirements for dietary supplements and prescription medications are different. The primary difference lies in the level of approval and oversight required before the products are sold to customers.
Dietary Supplements:
- Dietary supplements do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold to customers.
- The FDA mandates that companies which manufacture, package, label, or store supplements test their ingredients and limit contamination.
- These supplements can be sold as long as they do not claim to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases5.
- Quality control for dietary supplements is often described as "murky at best," with variations in ingredients and potential undisclosed substances.
- The FDA can step in and issue recalls or take products off the market if there are reports of harm.
Prescription Medications:
- Prescription medications require FDA approval before they can be sold to customers.
- They must undergo rigorous testing and clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy before being approved.
- Once approved, these medications can claim to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure specific diseases or conditions5.
- Quality control is generally more stringent for prescription medications, with strict regulations on ingredients, manufacturing, and labeling.
- The FDA can also step in to issue recalls or take products off the market if there are reports of harm or if the medications do not meet regulatory requirements.
In summary, dietary supplements do not require pre-market approval from the FDA and can be sold as long as they do not make specific disease-related claims, while prescription medications must undergo FDA approval and meet stringent safety and efficacy requirements before being sold.