Numerous consumer products that find their way to consumers here in Ohio and elsewhere end up contaminated with bacteria such as listeria, E. coli and salmonella. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration is attempting to contain an outbreak of salmonella poisoning connected to Kratom and products containing Kratom. Back in March, the FDA began testing products containing Kratom and discovered the salmonella contamination.
In fact, the agency oversaw the destruction of products manufactured by Revibe LLC. The investigation expanded and also includes Kratom products manufactured by Triangle Pharmanaturals, LLC. Out of 66 samples taken by the FDA, half of them came back indicating contamination. These two companies have been recalling their products. Other companies are also recalling products out of an abundance of caution.
Approximately 199 people across 41 states have become ill due to several different strains of salmonella in products containing Kratom. Of those people, around 38 percent required hospitalization due to salmonellosis. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to reports, 103 people were asked specifically if they had consumed Kratom or products containing Kratom. Alarmingly, 76 of them responded that they had consumed such products prior to becoming ill.
Even as the Food and Drug Administration attempts to get a handle on this outbreak, it and the CDC have continued to receive reports regarding illnesses. This may not stop anytime soon. Ohio residents who suffer serious health consequences due to salmonellosis from Kratom products may be able to pursue restitution through the filing of product liability claims.
Source: fda.gov, “FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Products Reported to Contain Kratom“, Accessed on May 27, 2018
