Unexpected toxicity - Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies
27 June 2024
Since April 2024, five patients in NSW and one in South Australia have presented to Emergency Departments experiencing with unexpected toxicity soon after consuming Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies. Two varieties of these products have been associated with the unexpected toxicity, the Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies and the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies.
It is not clear at this time what substance(s) may be causing the toxicity, it may relate to cannabinoids or other substances. Investigations are ongoing. Product packaging lists the contents of the gummies, including non-psychoactive mushrooms (cordyceps or lion’s mane), and hemp derived extract. On some product packaging hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) or cannabidiol (CBD) is also listed.
The cases had various symptoms including decreased consciousness, involuntary movements (including recurrent twitching of limbs and eye movements) which have been described as seizure like, hallucinations, dizziness, anxiety, palpitations, nausea and persistent vomiting. All cases recovered and were discharged from hospital.
This Public Health Alert is to inform clinicians of the risk of toxicity associated with these mushroom gummy products, provide advice on recognition and supportive care, and advise of the need to report unexpected toxicity appropriately.
Medical practitioners are advised to:
- Include health supplements as part of taking a comprehensive patient medical history, and have increased suspicion for cannabinoid or other drug toxicity if mushroom gummies have been ingested. Other brands of gummies have been associated with toxidromes overseas.
- Exercise heightened awareness of the possibility of cannabinoid or other drug toxicity, in those presenting to emergency departments with altered conscious state or signs of clinical toxidromes, including following ingestion of mushroom gummies.
- Look for signs and symptoms of cannabinoid, other drug toxicity (e.g. new psychoactive substances), and potential contaminants (e.g. psychoactive mushrooms or fungal toxins). These include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, hallucinations, hypotension, tachycardia, involuntary movements (including recurrent twitching of limbs and eye movements) which have been described as seizure like, respiratory depression, or reduced level of consciousness.
- For clinical advice, consult your local toxicology service or the Poisons Information Centre (PIC) on 13 11 26, who can advise on further management and arrange specific testing as indicated.
- Notify the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) if someone reports having consumed any form of mushroom gummy and is having unexpected toxicity.
- Ensure specific information regarding the specific product and retailer of purchase of mushroom gummies is obtained during history taking including ingredients, brand, and recommended and dose taken. Where possible, obtain samples or photos of the packaging and gummies.
- Notify the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) of:
- any toxicity or death following consumption of mushroom gummies, OR
- any toxicity or death following consumption of products branded as Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies
- Ensure that urine, blood (EDTA sample) and product samples are collected and retained.
- Obtain photos and/or the batch number of the product if there is a physical sample available and request for it to be retained.
Professor Nicola Spurrier – Chief Public Health Officer
For updated information visit: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au