U.S. Marshals Seize $400,000 in Harmful Dietary Supplements

U.S. Marshals, at the request of the FDA, seized nearly 90,000 bottles of dietary supplements labeled as containing kratom, according to an agency press release.

The product, manufactured for and held by Dordoniz Natural Products LLC, located in South Beloit, Ill., is marketed under the brand name RelaKzpro, and worth more than $400,000.

Kratom is a botanical substance that grows naturally in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. According to the FDA, serious concerns exist regarding the toxicity of kratom in multiple organ systems. Consumption of kratom can lead to a number of health impacts, including, among others, respiratory depression, vomiting, nervousness, weight loss and constipation.

In addition, kratom has been indicated to have both narcotic and stimulant-like effects, and withdrawal symptoms may include hostility, aggression, excessive tearing, aching of muscles and bones, and jerky limb movements, according to the agency.

“We have identified kratom as a botanical substance that could pose a risk to public health and have the potential for abuse,” said Melinda Plaisier, the FDA’s Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs.