The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and the Utah Poison Control Center issued a warning on July 30, 2026, after an illegal kratom product sold in Utah County was linked to a death and several severe health incidents. Investigations revealed that Buzzers-brand Cat's Claw tablets, which were mislabeled as herbal supplements, contained illegal, opioid-acting alkaloids that violate state laws.
Illegal Alkaloids Found in Supplements
State officials identified the problematic product as Buzzers-brand Cat's Claw tablets. While cat's claw is a woody vine and herbal supplement that is not expected to cause adverse effects, testing confirmed these specific tablets contained illegal kratom alkaloids. Specifically, the products contained mitragynine pseudoindoxyl and MGM-15, which are opioid-acting compounds derived from the kratom plant. Under Utah law, these substances are classified as Schedule I drugs.
Emergency Response and Medical Guidance
The presence of these substances has been linked to overdose cases in recent weeks. In response to the health crisis, the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) recommended that naloxone be administered in suspected overdose cases involving these products. The UPCC also advised that patients experiencing opioid withdrawal from these products may be treated in the usual fashion by providers experienced in addiction management. Anyone concerned about adverse effects from these products can contact the UPCC 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 for free, expert advice.
New Utah Kratom Restrictions
The discovery of the adulterated supplements comes amid strict new regulations for kratom in the state. During the 2026 legislative session, Utah passed laws that banned all kratom products that are not "pure leaf kratom." According to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, pure leaf kratom is defined as plant matter that is not mixed with other substances. Consequently, kratom extracts or products made from extracts are prohibited from being sold in Utah.
Regulatory Transition and Compliance
The new regulations, which were implemented on May 6, 2026, under S.B. 45, also changed how the product is sold. Under the law, kratom may only be sold by retailers registered as a Retail Tobacco Specialty Business. While the law allows manufacturers to continue producing non-pure leaf products until March 2027 to assist with the transition, they are strictly prohibited from selling them within the state. UDAF Commissioner Kelly Pehrson stated that these changes were necessary to keep the public safe.
Product Removal and Public Warning
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food's Specialized Products Division is currently working with retailers and law enforcement to ensure the mislabeled products are removed from store shelves. The agency has instructed all retailers carrying Buzzers Cat's Claw tablets to immediately remove the items from their inventory and contact the Specialized Products Division. The agency is also urging the public not to buy or consume any Buzzers Cat's Claw tablets and to safely destroy any existing products.
Health Risks of Kratom
Kratom is a leafy plant native to Southeast Asia that contains psychoactive compounds. While it has a history of traditional use in countries like Thailand and Indonesia, it carries significant health risks. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food notes that kratom can cause physical dependence and addiction, with withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioids. Rare but serious adverse effects can include problems with the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychiatric systems, as well as hepatotoxicity.
Consumer Safety and Identification Tips
Consumers should be aware that not all kratom products are equal. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food warns that some companies use the same raw material for different products or may misidentify items on receipts to conceal their contents. To ensure safety, the state encourages consumers to only purchase products from the Registered Product List, which have been reviewed for compliance. Additionally, the label should clearly state the amount of Mitragynine and 7-OH in the product.
