The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted the use of Amanita muscaria, a psychoactive mushroom commonly known as the fly agaric, in food products due to safety concerns. The agency warned manufacturers that three compounds found in the mushroom – muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine – are not authorized for use in foods intended to have hallucinogenic effects.
According to the FDA, consumption of Amanita muscaria can cause hallucinations, drowsiness, delirium, seizures, coma, and even death in severe cases. While the mushroom is poisonous, documented reports of overdoses or deaths are minimal.
The restriction comes after three people died and 180 illnesses were reported following the ingestion of a candy containing Amanita muscaria this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that one psychoactive compound, muscimol, could not explain all the symptoms reported by those who consumed the products.
The FDA is urging manufacturers to take responsibility for producing and marketing safe foods, particularly those with hallucinogenic effects. However, there are concerns about how this restriction will be enforced, and some experts believe it may amount to little due to the FDA’s history of issuing warning letters without significant action being taken.
For businesses like Minnesota Nice Botanicals, which relies on Amanita muscaria for their products, the restrictions could be a major obstacle. The owner of the company stated that the restriction could have a “huge impact” on his business.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/fda-restricts-psychoactive-mushroom-edibles-b2668484.html