Kratom linked to Salmonella Outbreaks

The FDA has provided another update regarding Salmonella contamination outbreaks. The federal agency is now advising consumers to avoid “kratom” and “kratom-containing” products which are linked to a multistate outbreak of salmonellosis from multiple strains of Salmonella.

The FDA set forth the following timeline: “On April 6, 2018, in response to a mandatory recall order from the FDA after several of its kratom products were found to contain Salmonella, Triangle Pharmanaturals, LLC of Las Vegas, NV, initiated a recall of such products. As of April 17, 2018, the firm is recalling all kratom powder products it manufactured, processed, packed and held from April 4, 2017, to present. This recall now includes at least 26 different products.” The FDA has provided a detailed timeline on their site.

Kratom Pills, Capsules, Powder, and Tea

The products at issue in this latest recall come in many forms, including leaves, pills, capsules, powder, and tea, and may not mention kratom on the labeling. The FDA reports that “[o]ther names for kratom that have been identified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 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.”

Kratom Contaminated with Salmonella

The FDA has now identified additional kratom-containing products contaminated with Salmonella, specifically, the following brands and companies as being associated with the newly reported products are Gaia Ethnobotanical, KraveKratom, Spa & Organic Essentials of PA, LLC, Badger Botanicals LLC, Pious Lion, Earth Kratom, Blissful Remedies, CV Indo Perkasa. There have been additional voluntary recalls issued from the following firms for specific kratom-containing products: Revibe LLC, Maya Distribution, LLC, Eden’s Ethnos, LLC, Badger Botanicals LLC, Pious Lion, and Gaia Ethnobotanical.

Recent Outbreak

We at KBD reported about an FDA outbreak recently. Consumers that have used products containing kratom should look for the following symptoms: diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. This symptoms generally appear within 72 hours of exposure. They typically last a week and while this is the typical course, severe injuries and death do occur. After seeking medical help, those who believe they were exposed to and injured by any of the products discussed here should obtain legal representation.

FDA and DEA Target Synthetic Kratom Compound 7-OH

In a new 2025 development that could have major implications for kratom regulation nationwide, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that the synthetic form of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) be scheduled as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This move comes after ongoing concerns over the potency, addictive potential, and public health risks of synthetic 7-OH products — many of which are still being sold in Arizona gas stations and smoke shops despite state law prohibiting their sale.

While 7-OH occurs naturally in small amounts in the kratom plant, synthetic versions can contain levels hundreds of times higher than what is found in nature. According to the FDA, some tested products had 7-OH concentrations between 109% and 509% higher than naturally occurring levels. Research cited by the FDA found that 7-OH was more potent than morphine in animal studies and that test subjects would self-administer the compound, indicating a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Arizona Law Regarding Kratom

Arizona law already limits 7-OH concentrations in kratom products to no more than 2%, but a 2024 “secret shopper” investigation by the Global Kratom Coalition found numerous products exceeding this limit — some of which appeared to be marketed toward children. Advocates say the FDA’s recommendation could give state and local law enforcement, including the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the push they need to remove these illegal products from store shelves.

Despite these dangers, enforcement has been inconsistent. Agencies like the Arizona Department of Health Services collect no data on kratom sales and rarely take proactive action, citing confusion over overlapping state and federal authority. This regulatory gray area has allowed high-potency synthetic 7-OH products to proliferate, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linking kratom to dozens of overdose deaths in Arizona over the last few years.

High Risk Low Reward

For consumers, the risk is twofold — not only can these products carry dangerously high levels of an addictive opioid-like compound, but they are often marketed and sold in ways that obscure their true ingredients. The FDA has warned that many people consuming 7-OH do so unknowingly, thinking they are purchasing standard kratom.

KBD Attorneys continues to monitor both the ongoing Salmonella contamination recalls involving kratom products and this latest federal action targeting synthetic 7-OH. Given the legal uncertainty and safety concerns surrounding kratom, consumers should exercise extreme caution. Anyone harmed by contaminated or high-potency kratom products should seek immediate medical care. They should also consider speaking with an attorney experienced in product liability and dangerous supplement cases.

KBD Attorneys can help you seek justice if you have been affected by this dangerous drug. Contact us for help.