The recall comes amid an ongoing nationwide outbreak of salmonella infections which have sickened at least 87 people in 35 states, according to CNN. At least 4 different serotypes of salmonella have been confirmed among those sick, FDA said.
Tuesday’s recall affects kratom produced by Triangle Pharmanaturals, a company that bills itself as a consultant and packager of supplement products.
“The agency took this action after the company failed to cooperate with the FDA’s request to conduct a voluntary recall,” FDA said in the recall announcement. “This is the first time the agency has issued a mandatory recall order to protect Americans from contaminated food products.”
FDA ordered the recall after at least 2 samples of kratom produced by Triangle and sold in Oregon tested positive for salmonella. Products affected by the recall include:
- Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Emerald Green
- Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Ivory White
- Raw Form Organics Maeng Da Kratom Ruby Red
If you purchased any of these products, you should discard them immediately, FDA said, as consumption of them could lead to dire health consequences.
Consumption of food products that are tainted with salmonella bacteria can lead to salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness that causes symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
Salmonellosis typically lasts 4 to 7 days, but in some patients diarrhea may be so severe that it requires hospitalization. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly likely to develop severe reactions to the bacterium.
Source: NBC News