The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning food manufacturers to stop using the mushroom Amanita muscaria or its constituents, including muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, in conventional foods. These substances are unapproved food additives and can cause serious health problems.
According to the FDA, there is not enough safety evidence to show that consuming these substances as food ingredients would be safe. Ingesting Amanita muscaria mushrooms has been linked to poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues, delirium, and sleepiness. Large exposures can lead to severe neurological symptoms like convulsions and coma.
The FDA has received reports of adverse events associated with the consumption of products containing Amanita muscaria or its constituents, including central nervous system depression, seizures, and hospitalizations. These substances are also linked to hallucinations, respiratory depression, and even death.
To comply with federal law, food manufacturers must ensure that all ingredients used in their products meet safety standards. The FDA will continue to monitor the food supply to prevent the use of unapproved additives.
The FDA’s assessment is based on a review of more than 600 scientific publications, which found no sufficient evidence to support the safe consumption of these substances as food ingredients. Manufacturers must be aware that using these substances without proper authorization can result in serious consequences.
Source: https://www.fda.gov/food/post-market-determinations-use-substance-not-gras/letter-industry-use-amanita-muscaria-or-its-constituents-food