SALT LAKE CITY—The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) initiated a new policy that bars the sale, distribution or marketing of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) for human usage or consumption as a condition of membership. The policy is effective as of May 1, 2014.

“This new policy goes to the heart of the mission of UNPA," UNPA president Loren Israelsen said. “Our members’ customers have a right to expect products that adhere to the regulatory framework in place and that can be reasonably considered safe. Until there is a change in the regulatory status of kratom and scientific consensus regarding its safety, we believe a ‘no sales’ policy is the best course of action."

In late February, FDA issued an import alert on kratom, citing that there is no information demonstrating that the substance was marketed as a dietary ingredient in the United States prior to October 15, 1994, therefore making it a new dietary ingredient under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C). The agency stated that consumption of kratom could lead to a number of health impacts, including respiratory depression, nervousness, agitation, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting and severe withdrawal symptoms.

For more information on kratom, read Josh Long’s article “FDA, States Mount War on Kratom" or view the INSIDER TV News Desk “FDA Cuts Kratom Supply".