The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and the Utah Poison Control Center are warning the public to immediately destroy Buzzers-brand Cat’s Claw tablets after investigations linked the mislabeled product to a death and several severe health incidents. The products, which were being sold in Utah retailers, were found to contain illegal kratom alkaloids including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15, substances that are classified as Schedule I drugs in Utah.
Illegal Alkaloids Found in Tablets
According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, the Buzzers-brand tablets were mislabeled as cat’s claw products. While cat’s claw is a woody vine and herbal supplement that is not expected to cause adverse effects, the tested Buzzers products contained opioid-acting compounds derived from the kratom plant. These illegal substances were identified in multiple flavors and have been linked to overdose cases in recent weeks, the department announced.
New Utah Kratom Regulations
The discovery follows recent legislative changes regarding the sale of kratom within the state. Under S.B. 45, which was implemented on May 6, 2026, Utah banned any kratom product that is not "pure leaf kratom." Pure leaf kratom is defined as plant matter that is not mixed with other substances. Under this law, kratom extracts or products made from extracts are prohibited from sale in Utah. While manufacturers were permitted to continue manufacturing non-pure leaf products until March 2027 to allow for a transition, they are not permitted to sell them within the state.
Enforcement and Retailer Response
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food noted that the presence of these substances in cat's claw products is a violation of current state law. The department is currently working with retailers and law enforcement to ensure the mislabeled items are removed from shelves and remain unavailable to consumers. Retailers found with Buzzers-brand Cat’s Claw tablets in their inventory have been instructed to contact the department's Specialized Products Division immediately.
Medical Risks and Emergency Response
The Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) has issued warnings regarding the risks associated with these adulterated products. The center recommends that naloxone be administered in suspected overdose cases involving these substances. For individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal from these products, the UPCC stated that providers experienced in addiction management can treat patients in the usual fashion. The center remains a 24-hour resource for free, expert advice on poisoning crises.
FDA Guidance on Kratom
Kratom is a tropical tree, Mitragyna speciosa, native to Southeast Asia. While it is often used by individuals to self-treat conditions such as pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, the FDA has concluded that kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement. The FDA has determined that kratom is an unsafe food additive and that dietary supplements containing it are considered adulterated because there is inadequate information to ensure it does not present a significant risk of injury.
Health and Safety Risks
The risks of kratom use include potential for physical dependence and addiction due to its opioid-like effects. Rare but serious side effects reported in users include gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and respiratory problems. Additionally, kratom products have been found to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and heavy metals such as lead and nickel. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food emphasizes that kratom can interact with prescription medications, leading to unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Consumer Safety Guidelines
To ensure consumer safety, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food advises that kratom should only be purchased from a Specialty Tobacco Retail Business with a license that covers kratom. Consumers are encouraged to only buy products on the state's Registered Product List, which includes products that have had their testing results checked for compliance. The department also recommends checking whether a manufacturer publishes its own test results and looking for labels that clearly state the amount of Mitragynine and 7-OH in the product.
