The FDA has issued a mandatory recall for all food products containing powdered kratom that is manufactured, processed, packed, or held by Triangle Pharmanaturals, LLC of Las Vegas, Nevada. Several of those products contained Salmonella bacteria. The agency took this action after the company failed to cooperate with the government’s request to conduct a voluntary recall.
These products include, but are not limited to: Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Emerald Green, Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Ivory White, and Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Ruby Red. The strains of Salmonella bacteria found in these products are not currently linked to the multistate Salmonella Javiana, Okatie, Thompson, and I 4,[5],12:b:- outbreak that has sickened at least 87 people in 35 states.
Other companies have voluntarily recalled their kratom products. PDX Aromatics issued a recall that was expanded on March 22, 2018, of positive product samples. Tarmac Inc. voluntarily recalled Eclipse kratom-containing powder products on March 23, 2018. And on March 29, 2018, NutriZone issued a recall in response to positive product samples of Salmonella associated with their products.
The FDA is advising consumers to avoid all kratom-containig products. This is because of the ongoing Salmonella outbreak, but also because there have been adverse events and deaths associated with the intake of these products. Twenty-seven of the patients in the current outbreak have been hospitalized because their illnesses are so serious.
As of April 2, 2018, twenty-six different kratom-containing products have been tested and reported positive for Salmonella contamination. The FDA is testing all Salmonella strains isolated from these products to see if they match strains of Salmonella that have caused human illness. This investigation is ongoing.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal pains and cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Most people get sick within a few hours to a few days after consuming products contaminated with this pathogenic bacteria. If you have consumed these types of dietary supplements and have been experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor.
