Kratom Linked to Salmonella Outbreak Recalled

By Pat Anson, Editor

A kratom wholesaler and retailer based in Oregon is recalling three brands of the herbal supplement that may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

PDX Aromatics of Portland, Oregon said the recall involves 10,000 packages of kratom powder that were sold to customers between January 18, 2018 and February 18, 2018 through company websites, under the brand names Kraken Kratom, Phytoextractum and Soul Speciosa.

“PDX Aromatics has identified a supplier in our supply chain as the source of Salmonella. The company has removed that supplier from our supply chain and all associated products from our facility. We have ceased distribution of products in order to perform a facility audit and have initiated a voluntary recall," the company said in a statement on its website.

(Update: On March 16, after "additional positive findings of Salmonella" in its kratom products, PDX expanded the recall.)

The company said it was notified by health officials in California that “certain lots of the product” tested positive for Salmonella bacteria and that there was one confirmed illness associated with its kratom powder.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection usually spread through contaminated food or water. Most people who become infected develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Severe cases can result in hospitalization or even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last month that it was investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to kratom – an herbal supplement imported from southeast Asia that millions of Americans use to treat chronic pain, addiction, depression and anxiety.

At least 40 people have been sickened by the outbreak in 27 states. Seventeen of them said they had consumed kratom in pills, powder or tea. Most said they had bought kratom online, but some purchased it at retail locations.

The first illnesses were reported in October 2017 – three months before the timeline of kratom products involved in the PDX Aromatics recall.  Until a common source of Salmonella bacteria is identified, the CDC has recommended that people stop consuming all kratom products.

PDX Aromatics said customers would receive a full refund once the recalled kratom products are returned. A complete list of the brands and lot numbers involved in the recall can be found here.

Last month the Food and Drug Administration recalled three brands of kratom dietary supplements made by Missouri-based Divinity Products. The company agreed to the “voluntary destruction” of its kratom products, even though there have been no reports of harm or illnesses associated with them.