SA teen collapses after eating mushroom gummies amid national alert

An urgent warning has been issued on a mushroom gummies product, with SA Health saying it is leaving people in life-threatening conditions.

A South Australian teenager collapsed unconscious after eating mushroom gummies, with other people across the country admitted to hospital after experiencing disturbing hallucinations.

A public health warning has since been issued for the Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane varieties.

Officials are unsure exactly what the gummies – sold online – contain, or why they are causing symptoms including hallucinations and involuntary limb movements.

The teen was found in an unresponsive state earlier this month after eating several of the gummies in quick succession despite a product warning to only consume one every six-12 hours.

He was provided with treatment and has now recovered.

Several other people across the country have been admitted to hospital experiencing the effects of unexpected toxicity from the sweets – at least five people in New South Wales have required hospital treatment and three in Queensland after ingesting the gummies.

A recall has been issued by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand for the following products sold online:

Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies – Cordyceps;

Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies – Lion’s Mane.

A public health warning has been issued for the Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane varieties.

The signs and symptoms of toxicity include nausea and/or persistent vomiting, seizure like activity and involuntary movement such as arms or legs twitching, and rapid eye movement, disturbing hallucinations, drowsiness or loss of consciousness, dizziness or light-headedness, anxiety and a racing heart or pulse.

The packets feature psychedelic fungi and were promoted as a “natural blend” to “elevate your day”.

Its online sales pitch on social media sites promised to “boost your immune system and promote overall wellbeing” and described the gummies as “the ultimate treat for a joyful and mellow experience”.

However the Uncle Frog Facebook page now has a notice saying: “Customers shouldn’t eat or open this product and should dispose of it safely or return it back to us. Please contact and email us at [e-mail] or reply back to this text message for safe disposal instructions and reimbursements. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. Kind Regards, Uncle Frog.”

SA Health director of health protection and regulation Dr Chris Lease said the gummies could be “life-threatening” or result in long-term health complications.

Dr Chris Lease, SA Health Director of Health Protection and Regulation. Picture Brad Crouch

“The depressed conscious state some people are finding themselves can be life threatening,” he said.

“But we’re also seeing very strong anxiety or hallucinations, those sorts of things which do leave a lasting effect on people as well.”

While no other hospital cases have been reported in SA, Dr Lease said it would be “not unexpected” to have more cases – the Poisons Information Centre and hospitals have been put on alert.

Officials are concerned the gummies were being used as a party drug to get high and Dr Lease strongly cautioned against using them for that reason.

“I know there’s always going to be people who want to take those risks but it really is vital for people to take this seriously, we recognise that people do experiment but it is unsafe,” he said.

SA Health advises: “If you or someone you know has consumed one of these gummies and experiences the above symptoms or are unwell, please contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. In an emergency, always call triple-0 (000)”.

Public Health Medical Consultant Dr Kimberly Humphrey said: “If you have these products at home, dispose of them immediately, and keep them out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental consumption.

“The noted effects of these gummies are alarming. We are working closely with other jurisdictions to urgently investigate exactly what these products contain.”

Food Standards Australia says the recall is due to the presence of unapproved novel food ingredients (lions mane, cordyceps) which may cause adverse symptoms if the product is consumed.

Originally published as SA teen collapses after eating mushroom gummies amid national alert