Gold Coast students rushed to hospital after ingesting ‘mushroom gummies’
Two teenage boys have been taken ill after allegedly ingesting mushroom gummies, months after authorities raised concerns about the product.
Emergency services were alerted after two students started feeling ill at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School on the Gold Coast on Wednesday afternoon.
One boy was taken to Griffith University Hospital in a stable condition, while the other was treated at Tugun Satellite Hospital before being transferred to Robina Hospital for further assessment.
It is understood the pair had taken Uncle Frog’s Mushroom Gummies shortly before becoming unwell.
In June, the same product was recalled by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) due to health concerns after several people who had consumed the product were taken to hospitals across the country.
A Queensland Department of Education spokesperson told NCANewsWire that students and staff were being supported following the incident.
“There is no higher priority for the Department of Education than the safety and well-being of students and staff,” he said.
“The department is aware of an incident that occurred earlier today at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, involving two students who ingested a substance.
Two students were hospitalized after ingesting ‘mushroom gummies’ at Palm Beach Currumbin State High (pictured) on the Gold Coast on Wednesday
“As soon as the school became aware of the incident, emergency services were immediately contacted to attend the school and assess the students.
‘Support services are arranged by the school and are available to anyone who needs them.
“Due to student privacy, no further details can be provided.”
FSANZ stated that the recall was the result of the presence of unapproved novel food ingredients – lion’s mane and cordyceps – found in the gummies.
“Consumers should not eat this product,” the food safety watchdog said in a statement.
The pair fell ill after eating the product (pictured) which was recalled by Food Standards Australia New Zealand due to unapproved new food ingredients
‘Consumers must return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
“All consumers concerned about their health should seek medical attention.”
At least five people have been treated in NSW hospitals since April after taking the gummies, while other states have also reported hospital admissions.
Patients reported to authorities signs and symptoms of nausea and/or persistent vomiting, seizure-like activity and involuntary movements, anxiety, disturbing hallucinations, drowsiness or loss of consciousness, dizziness or light-headedness, or a racing heart/pulse.
