Mushroom gummies recall after six hospitalised

A national recall of two Uncle Frog's Mushroom Gummies varieties - Cordyceps and Lion's Mane - has been issued and anyone who purchased these products told not to consume them.

Several people presented to hospital experiencing unexpected toxicity since April 2024 in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

A teenaged boy, who was found in an unresponsive state earlier in June after eating several of the gummies, was among those affected, South Australia's Department for Health and Wellbeing said.

He has recovered after receiving treatment, the department said.

Patients have reported signs and symptoms, including:

"Investigations are ongoing as to what these products contain," NSW Poisons Information Centre medical director Dr Darren Roberts said.

"We are strongly recommending that people do not consume these products."

NSW Health said anyone that has these products should dispose of them safely, away from children and pets, to avoid accidental consumption.

The gummies could be returned to the place of purchase for a refund, the Victorian Department of Health said.

Foundation director at Southern Cross University's National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine Professor Jon Wardle said governance, regulations and quality controls often aren't keeping pace with the rise in public demand for ingredients that claim better health outcomes.

"Often a lot of these ingredients are becoming popular well before reliable supply chains can be developed," Professor Wardle said.

"The ingredients as listed on the product are relatively safe, but adulteration or substitution can be a real problem. It is essential that companies work with regulators and get their products routinely verified and tested before going to market."

People experiencing symptoms, anywhere in Australia, are advised to contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or if seriously ill, call triple-0.