In today’s crowded wellness landscape, discerning which products are truly beneficial—and which are little more than dangerous gimmicks—has never been more important. This has become painfully clear in light of the recent Diamond Shruumz-brand mushroom product crisis. With multiple illnesses, hospitalizations, and potentially associated deaths reported, the FDA and CDC investigations have brought to light just how irresponsible marketing and poor product quality can tarnish an entire industry.
For brands like NOVA and our flagship Breakthrough drink mix, which has adaptogenic/functional mushrooms, this scandal is deeply troubling. Here’s why:
Mushroom Products Under the Microscope
Adaptogenic mushrooms—such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi—have long been revered for their potential benefits, from supporting cognitive health to assisting the body’s stress response. These fungi are considered “functional mushrooms” because they don’t create a psychoactive “trip,” but rather help promote balanced wellness when sourced and processed responsibly.
Unfortunately, Diamond Shruumz took advantage of the booming market for mushroom-based products but cut corners where it mattered most: quality control, ingredient clarity, and consumer safety. They marketed mushroom-derived edibles that turned out to contain psychoactive or otherwise harmful compounds. The aftermath? More than a hundred reported illnesses, multiple hospitalizations, and at least three potential deaths under investigation across dozens of states. Worse, despite repeated recalls, reports indicate that some retailers continue to sell Diamond Shruumz products. For the average consumer, it becomes hard to distinguish who is trustworthy in this chaotic environment.
The Domino Effect of Mistrust
What does one company’s irresponsible behavior have to do with NOVA and our Breakthrough drink mix? Everything. When high-profile product failures and recalls hit the news, consumers naturally become more skeptical of all mushroom-based wellness offerings. This ripple effect damages the credibility of reputable companies that invest immense resources to ensure the highest standards of safety, purity, and transparency.
Our Breakthrough product is made with 100% certified-organic adaptogenic mushrooms, carefully cultivated and sourced here in the U.S. and tested to ensure they are safe, non-psychoactive, and free from harmful substances. We go to these lengths because your health and peace of mind are our top priorities. Yet when a bad actor like Diamond Shruumz appears, the entire category can be overshadowed by doubt.
The Importance of Rigorous Certification
The Diamond Shruumz scandal underscores why we pursued NSF-S certification for Breakthrough. NSF International’s Certified for Sport® Program (NSF-S) is one of the most rigorous testing and certification processes in the industry. To achieve this certification, our product was tested for more than 280 banned substances and scrutinized to confirm that what’s on our label is exactly what’s inside the product. No fillers, no surprises, no shortcuts.
Why does this matter? Because we recognize that athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and discerning consumers need credible proof of a product’s purity and safety. This certification goes beyond marketing claims. It’s an independently verified seal of approval that underscores our unwavering commitment to quality and integrity.
Health, Not Hype
The tragic situation involving Diamond Shruumz stands as a stark reminder that wellness should never come at the cost of safety. It’s easy for certain brands to jump on the wellness bandwagon, using buzzwords and making promises they can’t keep. But when it comes to your body, your well-being, and your trust, no brand should be allowed to get away with reckless behavior.
At NOVA, we believe in the power of nature to support human health. Our adaptogenic mushroom blends are chosen not because they create any psychoactive effect, but because they offer balanced, holistic benefits as part of a thoughtful, health-first regimen. We’re not about hype or quick fixes.
We’re about science-based, ethically sourced ingredients that can truly help you feel better and live healthier.
Moving Forward With Confidence
As consumers become more informed, we urge everyone to look beyond the label and the marketing. Understand the certifications behind a product. Learn the sourcing story of its ingredients. Check if the brand invests in transparent testing, independent verification, and ongoing quality assurance. By doing so, you can confidently support companies that put your well-being first.
The Diamond Shruumz fiasco is indeed disgraceful, not just for the harm it has caused, but for the confusion and mistrust it sows. But we refuse to let bad actors define this market. At NOVA, our promise stands: Breakthrough is a responsibly sourced, rigorously tested, NSF-S certified product. We will continue to lead by example, offering you a safe, trustworthy way to harness the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms—without the risk and certainly without psychoactive effects.
In a world full of questionable claims and unpredictable products, trust remains our top priority. We hope you’ll continue to place yours in NOVA and Breakthrough. Together, we can restore integrity to the wellness space one honest product at a time.
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A recent industry post from Asa Waldstein, a leading compliance attorney, discusses the heightened regulatory scrutiny on functional mushroom products. This heartbreaking situation—coupled with the FDA’s emphasis on foundational GMP principles—serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of neglecting proper testing, manufacturing controls, and responsible supply chain management.