A warning has been issued in Australia after several people became ill after eating a certain type of gummy candy.
People are being urged to avoid taking Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies after several people were taken to hospitals across the country with symptoms of poisoning. All have since recovered and been released from hospital.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced a recall of Uncle Frog Cordyceps sinensis and Lion’s Manne Mushroom Gummies sold online.
The agency said foods containing unapproved new ingredients, such as lion’s mane and cordyceps, could cause adverse symptoms if ingested. Oz Brands Inc. has recalled all of its gummy candies, which come in 36-gram bags, with expiration dates and lot codes.
State Warning
The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health reported that at least five people have been treated in hospital after consuming the gummies since April.
The Western Australian (WA) Department of Health said one person had recently visited hospital in the state.
Western Australia’s interim chief health officer, Dr Paul Armstrong, said anyone who purchased these products should dispose of them in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion.
Victoria state health authorities said there had been “several” hospital visits linked to taking the gummies.
“There have been reports of people becoming unwell after consuming even small amounts of these products. Investigations are ongoing to identify ingredients in these products that may be making people unwell,” Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong said.
A teenager in South Australia was found unresponsive after eating several gummy candies earlier this month. He was treated and is now recovering.
Public Health Medical Consultant Dr Kimberly Humphrey said the noted effects of the gummies were worrying.
Reported signs and symptoms of toxicity include nausea or persistent vomiting, seizure-like activity or involuntary movements, anxiety, unpleasant hallucinations, drowsiness or loss of consciousness, dizziness or lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate.
It is not yet clear what caused the toxicity, but it may be related to cannabinoids or other substances. The product packaging lists the gummies’ contents, which include non-psychoactive mushrooms (cordyceps or lion’s mantle) and hemp-derived extracts. Some packaging lists hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) or cannabidiol (CBD).
“Customers should not eat or open this product and should dispose of it safely or return it to us. Consumers who are concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” the company said in a statement.
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