Alarming Surge in Poison Center Calls for Kratom-Containing Kava Products Prompts Renewed Compliance Focus

Alarming Surge in Poison Center Calls for Kratom-Containing Kava Products Prompts Renewed Compliance Focus

Charlottesville, VA – A recent report highlighted by NBC News, drawing from CDC and UVA Health research, indicates a significant and concerning increase in poison center calls linked to kava products, particularly those containing kratom. This trend, analyzed from 2000 to 2025 data from the National Poison Data System, reveals a resurgence in kava-related exposures and a sharp rise in incidents involving the co-use of kava and kratom, coinciding with higher rates of serious clinical outcomes.

What Happened: A Troubling Trend Emerges

After a decline following a 2002 FDA advisory on kava-associated liver injury, kava-related exposure reports to poison centers have steadily climbed since 2011, reaching 203 reports in 2025. More critically for the kratom industry, reports involving the combined use of kava and kratom have increased since 2017, accounting for 30% of all kava reports in 2025. These combined exposures have been associated with a notable rise in serious medical outcomes, with 32% in 2025 compared to 12% in 2000, and a peak of 39% in 2024. The most common clinical effects include gastrointestinal, neurological (including seizures and tremor in co-use cases), and cardiovascular issues. Experts note that products sold in the U.S. can be unregulated and significantly stronger than traditional versions, exacerbating potential risks.

Why It Matters to Kratom Merchants and Consumers

This news carries substantial implications for both kratom merchants and consumers. For consumers, the increased reports of adverse effects, especially when kratom is combined with kava, underscore the inherent risks of unregulated botanical products and the critical need for informed purchasing decisions. For merchants, this surge in negative health outcomes and associated poison center calls will inevitably draw heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies and the public. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already views kratom as an unsafe food additive and states it is not lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement. This latest report could intensify calls for federal or state-level regulatory action, potentially leading to stricter controls, bans, or increased enforcement against products deemed unsafe or mislabeled.

Compliance Implications and What High-Risk Merchants Need to Know

The current regulatory landscape for kratom is complex and fragmented. While there's no federal regulation of kratom, the FDA has issued warnings about its risks, including potential contamination and adulteration. Some states and municipalities have implemented their own regulations, including age restrictions and labeling requirements, often through initiatives like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).

For high-risk merchants operating in this environment, rigorous adherence to quality and transparency is no longer just good practice, but a business imperative.

1. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and Lab Testing: Merchants must prioritize comprehensive third-party lab testing for all kratom products. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be readily available for every batch and must come from an ISO 17025 accredited, independent third-party laboratory. These COAs should detail:

• Alkaloid Content: Specifically, the levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
• Purity and Contaminants: Testing for foreign matter, microbial contaminants (e.g., salmonella, E. coli, mold, yeast), heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury), and any other deleterious additives or controlled substances.
• Batch Information: The COA must include the lot or batch identification number, matching the product label, along with the date of testing.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Labeling: Merchants must be intimately familiar with both federal advisories and all state and local laws governing kratom. Accurate and compliant labeling is essential, clearly stating the product's identity, suggested use, serving size, and the exact amounts of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Labels should also include manufacturer information and a disclaimer that the product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The rise in poison center calls underscores the urgent need for the kratom industry to champion product safety and transparency. Proactive compliance, particularly through robust lab testing and clear labeling, is crucial for protecting consumers and safeguarding the future of the kratom market.