More than a dozen kids sickened by mushroom-laced edibles at NJ camp

🚨More than a dozen children became sick after eating suspected mushroom edibles

🚨East Orange police say one child shared the candy with campers ages 10 to 13

🚨Detectives are investigating whether any criminal charges are warranted

EAST ORANGE — Over a dozen children ate mushroom-laced edibles at an Essex County summer camp on Thursday.

The East Orange YMCA said a child at its day camp program shared "a substance resembling candy without our knowledge," causing the children aged 10-13 to have an adverse reaction. Police were called as part of their emergency protocols to contact first responders and parents. Only one child was hospitalized because of a pre-existing condition, according to ABC 7 Eyewitness News.

Children are not allowed to share food or snacks, according to the YMCA.

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Parents describe children's reactions after eating the candy

East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi said the child who shared the edibles has been identified, but no charges have been filed.

"Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred, how these suspected edibles came into the possession of a juvenile, and whether any criminal offenses were committed. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our youth and to hold anyone responsible accountable under the law," Bindi said.

A mother whose son ingested the candy told News 12 that the other child said the candy had been a birthday gift from a family member.

Another mother told CBS New York that kids looked like zombies with "low and droopy" eyes.

A mushroom edible is a food product infused with a psychoactive or hallucinogenic compound that can cause the user to become high. The FDA does not encourage their use as they are unregulated and can cause illnesses, seizures and hospitalizations.

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