Enlarge (credit: Diamond Shruumz)

Authorities have identified a second death that may have been caused by Diamond Shruumz microdosing candies, which are under investigation for causing a nationwide rash of severe illnesses involving seizures, and the need for intubation and intensive care.

In an update on Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration reported that the total number of illnesses linked to the brand's candies has risen to 74 across 28 states. Of the 74 people sickened, 62 sought medical care, and 38 were admitted to a hospital. There are two potentially associated deaths that are now under investigation. The counts are up from 69 cases and 36 hospitalizations, with one potentially linked death reported in an update last week.

The FDA announced its investigation into Diamond Shruumz products on June 7, when there had been just eight cases reported from four states. The federal investigation—led by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with help from America’s Poison Centers and state and local partners—followed warnings from Arizona poison control officials.

Enlarge / A Diamond Shruumz chocolate bar, which comes in a variety of flavors. (credit: diamondshruumz.com)

The US Food and Drug Administration has identified a synthetic psychedelic compound as well as compounds from a potentially toxic plant in the Diamond Shruumz-brand microdosing candies linked to a growing number of severe illnesses nationwide that have included seizures, intubation, and admissions to intensive care units.

As of June 25, the case total has grown to 39, including 23 hospitalizations, across 20 states, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

It remains unclear what is in the candies and what may be causing the severe illnesses. Diamond Shruumz does not provide a full list of ingredients. The term "microdosing" and other marketing used by Diamond Shruumz suggests the candies contain a psychedelic compound, but the company does not name any. To figure it out, the FDA has been analyzing multiple samples of Diamond Shruumz-brand candies, including chocolates, gummies, and candy cones. On Tuesday, the FDA reported finding the synthetic psychedelic compound 4-AcO-DMT in the company's Dark Chocolate Bar and its Birthday Cake Chocolate Bar.