Unexpected toxicity associated with Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies

The symptoms being reported are varied, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of cannabinoid or other drug toxicity following ingestion of mushroom gummies. Notify the Queensland Poisons Information Centre if any patient with relevant symptoms also reports recent ingestion of mushroom gummies.

Products of concern

While investigations are ongoing, two varieties of the gummy products have been associated with the unexpected toxicity:

• Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies
• Lion's Mane Mushroom Gummies

A food recall of the Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies is being conducted and the Queensland Chief Health Officer has issued a statement warning consumers of the risk and recommending that they do not consume the product.

Symptoms

Patients have reported the following symptoms:

• Nausea and/or persistent vomiting
• Seizure like activity and involuntary movement (such as arms/legs twitching, eye movement)
• Anxiety
• Disturbing hallucinations
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Racing heart/pulse

For all reported cases, the symptoms have resolved, and [patients are discharged.

Clinical management

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 toxicity service or the Queensland Poisons Information Centre, who can advise on further management and arrange specific testing as indicated.

If someone reports having consumed any form of mushroom gummy and is having unexpected toxicity please notify the Queensland Poisons Information Centre.

Ensure specific information regarding the specific product and retailer of purchase of mushroom gummies is obtained during history taking including ingredients, brand, and recommended dose taken. Where possible, obtain samples or photos of the packaging and gummies.

Notification

Notify the Queensland Poisons Information Centre 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

Please ensure that urine, blood (EDTA sample) and product samples are collected and retained. If there is a physical samples available, please request for it to be retained, obtain photos and/or the batch number of the product