Troxler warns against consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products Chocolate bars, cones and gummies part of nationwide recall after 78 people became ill

 

PRESS RELEASE (08-01-2024)

NCDA&CS FOOD AND DRUG PROTECTION DIVISION

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is warning residents against consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products following a nationwide recall after 78 people in 28 states became ill after consuming products, including three in North Carolina. In addition, inspectors with the department’s Food and Drug Protection Division are canvassing retail stores across the state to see if any of these products are still on store shelves.  

           

This warning comes after Prophet Premium Blends, LLC of Santa Ana, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, initiated a nationwide recall of all flavors of Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones and gummies.

           

“Food safety remains one of our top priorities at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and this recall underscores why we take it so seriously,” Troxler said. “Forty people have been hospitalized in association with these products. While our inspectors will continue to look for these products on store shelves, we know they were also sold online, and people could have these products in their homes. If you do have them, please throw them away and do not consume them.”

           

People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand products reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea and vomiting.

           

According to Prophet Premium Blends, these products contain muscimol, a chemical found in some mushrooms, that could be a potential cause of symptoms consistent with some of those observed in people who became ill after consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand products.

           

The FDA notice of recall indicated these products were sold online and at a variety of retail locations including smoke or vape shops and retailers that sell hemp-derived products such as CBD or Delta 8 THC.

           

“It is important to point out that these products may appeal to children and teenagers, so parents and caregivers should check their homes and discard any products found and talk to their kids about this recall and advise against consuming these products,” Troxler added.

           

Call your healthcare provider or the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if a person becomes ill after consuming these products and tell them that the Diamond-Shruumz products were consumed.

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CONSUMER ALERT: Never buy or sell fake vaccine cards

PRESS RELEASE (08-06-2021)
NC ATTORNEY GENERAL JOSH STEIN

As millions of North Carolinians get vaccinated to protect themselves and others against COVID-19 and the dangerous Delta variant, fraudsters are buying and selling fake vaccine cards. These fake cards are illegal, and buying or selling a falsified government seal is a federal crime. Our office is leading the fight to shut down sellers of fake vaccine cards.

You don’t need to spend money on your vaccine. In fact, you can make money – including a $100 bonus for newly vaccinated people at participating locations through the end of August.

Getting the vaccine honestly also keeps us all safe. When people fake their vaccination status to enter schools, workplaces, or public settings, they put themselves and others at risk. Supplying fake medical records to an employer, school, or university could be a violation of institutional policies and could result in disciplinary actions.

There is no need to break the law and fake your vaccination status – the vaccines are safe, effective, and available in your community. You can learn more about vaccine safety here.

The best way to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us is to get a vaccine. Find out where to get your shot here.

If you’re concerned about people selling fake vaccine cards online, please report them to our office at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. If you’re concerned about fake vaccine cards being used in your business or institution, please contact local law enforcement.



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Published at 4:00pm on Friday, August 06, 2021

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NC Attorney General Josh Stein Advises People to Take Action to Get Your COVID-19 Federal Recovery Payments Before Oct. 15

There are an estimated 9 million people who have not yet claimed their COVID-19 economic impact payments from the federal government. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided payments of up to $1,200 per individual to help with the financial burdens caused by COVID-19, but individuals must act by Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, to receive their payments.

Most individuals who haven’t received their payments yet don’t usually file tax returns, but they are still eligible to receive recovery payments if they share additional information with the IRS.

Individuals who didn’t file a federal tax return for 2018 or 2019 (because they made below the $12,200 gross income amount required to file taxes or for other reasons) and don’t receive Social Security retirement or other federal benefits should submit their personal and financial information to the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

People who have already received an EIP prepaid card should activate it or replace it to receive their money. 

Additional information and resources are available through the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Attorney General Stein also shared tips to help North Carolinians protect their recovery checks from scammers: https://ncdoj.gov/consumer-alert-dont-lose-your-recovery-money-to-scammers/

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NC Attorney General: Don't Let Scammers Exploit Your Coronavirus Fears

Don't Let Scammers Exploit Your Coronavirus Fears
Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Fears about the coronavirus and news of infections are on the rise, so scammers and fraudsters are sure to follow. Recent media reports detail unscrupulous sellers touting fake treatments listed at outrageous prices. Scammers are setting up bogus websites, emails, texts, and social media posts to take people’s hard-earned money.

Our office is watching the news closely, and we want you to be able to avoid coronavirus scams. The best way to protect yourself is to follow these tips:

•Be skeptical of “miracle cures.” Ignore online offers for vaccinations, pharmaceuticals, and medicines. If you are unsure about a product, check with a doctor before you buy it. Remember, as all scams go – if it’s too good to be true – it probably is.

•Watch out for high-priced or low-quality products. Because of high demand, prices are increasing on products like hand sanitizers and face masks. Moreover, some of these products may not even be of the quality they promise. Consider health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control when deciding whether a purchase is necessary. If you are unsure about a product, check with a doctor or health professional before you buy it. Research before you make a purchase and try to buy from reputable companies with a reliable record – and don’t pay an unfair price for something you may not need.


•Don’t let anyone rush you. Avoid offers that are only good “now or never.” Fears about the spread of coronavirus mean that many people are making decisions under pressure – walk away from high-pressure sales pitches or cure-all promises.


•Watch out for phishing emails. Criminals will try to steal your money and information by sending you phony communications. If a person claiming to be an expert on coronavirus contacts you, ignore them. Double-check links before you click on them, and don’t open anything from an unfamiliar sender.


•Look out for unauthorized or fraudulent charities. Don’t let anyone rush you to into making a donation, and visit www.give.org or www.charitywatch.org to make sure the organization you are considering donating to is legitimate.


A lot of false information is floating around about the coronavirus. Stick to reputable sources – visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, or North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services websites for more information, or contact your doctor if you have questions.

If a company contacts you and you’re unsure of their authenticity or if you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, contact our office’s Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.

Published at 4:20pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2020

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