Mushroom Chocolate Poisoning Kills 2, Hospitalizes 73: CDC

TL;DR

CDC linked 180 severe illnesses across 34 states to mushroom-containing chocolate products like Diamond Shruumz bars from January to October 2024.
73 people were hospitalized, 29 intubated, and 2 died, with Diamond Shruumz bars tied to worse outcomes.
Products recalled after tests found variable psychoactive substances; consumers warned against microdosing edibles.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)[[2]](https://lists.theepochtimes.com/links/jR3gKWC9uY/upcHm6YfU/7FianXCNQIz3/2gnGg4v67c)

The story at a glance

The Epoch Times reports on a CDC study detailing a poisoning outbreak from microdosing chocolate bars and similar products containing mushroom-derived compounds, mainly Diamond Shruumz brand. Illnesses hit 34 states, causing hospitalizations, intubations, and two deaths. The article came out right after the CDC published its findings on April 9, 2026, to highlight risks of unregulated psychoactive edibles.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)[[2]](https://lists.theepochtimes.com/links/jR3gKWC9uY/upcHm6YfU/7FianXCNQIz3/2gnGg4v67c)

Key points

180 cases of moderate or major illness reported from January 1 to October 11, 2024; median symptom onset 90 minutes after eating.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)
Common symptoms: confusion (66%), drowsiness (47%), agitation (45%), loss of consciousness (43%), hallucinations (43%), seizures (29%).[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)
Diamond Shruumz chocolate bars linked to higher risks: 3.3 times odds of hospitalization, 6.3 times ICU admission, 8 times intubation or seizures vs. other products; risks rose with more pieces eaten.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)
Products recalled in June 2024; FDA tests on 54 samples found muscimol, psilocin (Schedule I drug), kavalactones, ibotenic acid in varying amounts.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)
66% of cases involved Diamond Shruumz (bars, gummies, cones); 34% other brands like Polka Dot or Wonderbar.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)
Demographics: mostly young adults (46% aged 18-29), 59% male, 71% non-Hispanic white.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)

Details and context

CDC and FDA launched the probe in spring 2024 after poison centers reported severe Arizona cases with seizures and central nervous system depression. They pulled data from America's Poison Centers' National Poison Data System, state health departments, and clinician reports. No single contaminant explained all illnesses; variable ingredients and lack of oversight made products unpredictable.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)

These microdosing items promise small, safe doses of psychedelics from mushrooms like Amanita muscaria, but testing showed inconsistent levels of toxins and controlled substances. Risks were worse with Diamond Shruumz bars than gummies or other brands, likely due to potency or combinations. Underreporting may mean more mild cases went unnoticed.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)

Key quotes

“Consumers should be aware that microdosing psychedelic products can cause severe illness or death.”[[2]](https://lists.theepochtimes.com/links/jR3gKWC9uY/upcHm6YfU/7FianXCNQIz3/2gnGg4v67c)

— CDC, as cited in the article.

Why it matters

Unregulated edibles with psychoactive mushrooms pose broad public health risks, as variable ingredients lead to severe, unpredictable reactions even in small doses. Consumers face hospitalization or worse from products marketed as safe microdoses; businesses selling them risk recalls and liability. Watch for further CDC updates on testing or similar outbreaks, though most products are recalled.[[1]](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7513a2.htm)