DDPHE Blog: Not so Sweet - Unregulated Products Pose Health Risk

DDPHE Blog: Not so Sweet - Unregulated Products Pose Health Risk

Published on January 20, 2026

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) recently issued a warning about mushroom-infused products that are being sold in retail settings. These products may appear safe, but third-party laboratory testing has revealed serious concerns.

What Happened

Earlier this month, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and the Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection received test results for PolkaDot chocolate bars that have since been removed from shelves at three Denver retailers. These products were selected for testing and analyzed by a local laboratory accredited to detect psychoactive compounds. Results showed the presence of substances including psilocybin, psilocin, 4-ACO-DET, 4-HO-DET, and 4-HO-MET, all of which can elicit psychoactive effects and are prohibited in retail food products.

Are these products safe?

No. Products tested by DDPHE were found to contain undisclosed psychoactive ingredients at varying levels. While packaging often claims laboratory testing, these results typically do not disclose what psychoactive ingredient is present, creating a false sense of safety.

Other public health concerns with these products include unknown manufacturing conditions (including sanitation in the manufacturing facility), inconsistent or vague dosing instructions, and potential interactions with medications.

Are they being sold legally?

No. These products often market themselves as "natural medicines," but they do not meet Colorado's legal definition under Proposition 122. Some tested products contained synthetic tryptamines, which are expressly prohibited, while others contained psilocybin which is illegal for retail sale under state law.

Didn't Colorado legalize psilocybin?

Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, which created a regulated framework for natural medicines like psilocybin. However, legal pathways do not include retail sales. Currently, the only legal options are:

• Personal cultivation and use
• Sharing natural medicines between adults without payment
• Working with a licensed facilitator or healing center

What about amanita mushroom products?

Amanita mushrooms contain different psychoactive compounds than psilocybin-containing mushrooms, including muscimol and ibotenic acid. While previously considered a "grey area," the FDA has clarified that amanita mushrooms and their derivatives are prohibited in foods and unapproved for dietary supplements.

What should I do if I see these products in stores?

• Avoid purchasing products advertised to include natural medicine or psychoactive compounds
• Report suspected illicit products to 311 or local authorities.
• Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing adverse effects after consuming these products.

Bottom Line

If you see mushroom-infused chocolates, gummies, or similar products in stores, do not purchase them. They are illegal, unregulated, and potentially dangerous.

• Press release
• Public Health & Environment