Kratom products voluntarily recalled
Kratom, derived from a plant that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, is used in teas and dietary supplements. The herbal supplement is thought to relieve pain and anxiety.
However, kratom has not received approval and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so kratom supplement manufacturers are not required to follow any food safety guidelines. There are no uses for kratom that are approved by the FDA.
Recently, the supplement was found to be contaminated by salmonella, causing illness in people ranging from age 6 to 67. The contamination has been linked to illnesses in 28 people in 20 states across the US, including California, Massachusetts, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Of those who have become ill, 11 have been hospitalized.
Kratom is controversial for many unrelated reasons, but the latest news has caused at least one manufacturer to recall its products. Divinity Products Distribution of Grain Valley, Missouri, has voluntarily recalled dietary supplements containing kratom that were made at its plant. Supplements are usually found in the form of pills, powder, or tea.
The FDA has urged other manufacturers to recall their kratom products and to stop production of the supplement entirely. Other names for kratom that may be found on the market are Mitragyna speciosa, mitragynine extract, biak-biak, cratom, gratom, ithang, kakuam, katawn, kedemba, ketum, krathom, krton, mambog, madat, Maeng da leaf, nauclea, Nauclea speciosa, or thang.
Salmonella contamination such as that found in the kratom products causes the foodborne illness salmonellosis. Diarrhea, sometimes severe, vomiting, and nausea are symptoms of salmonella poisoning. Most people recover on their own, but in the case of the kratom supplements, a higher number of people have been hospitalized than usual.
If you believe you are suffering from the effects of salmonella contamination associated with the use of kratom, please contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.
