Though no consumers have fallen ill, the discovery of Salmonella in a retail sample has triggered immediate action. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the recall and is currently monitoring the process in collaboration with state agencies.
Contaminated Lots Identified Following State-Level Testing
The recall affects four kratom powder variants: Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant, all sold under the Monarch Premium brand. These products were distributed nationwide through retail stores and online via bedrockbotanicals.com between April and September 2023, according to the company.
A routine inspection by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) uncovered Salmonella in one of the finished products. Following the findings, Vanguard Enterprises acted swiftly to pull all affected lots from circulation.
All recalled items are marked with the lot code 020123PA3F followed by a product-specific identifier: -T for Bali Gold, -G for Green Maeng Da, -R for Red Bali, and -W for White Elephant. The recall includes several pouch sizes, 14g, 56g, 112g and 224g, with corresponding UPCs published by the FDA.
Notably, the affected products were not distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin, states where kratom remains regulated or restricted under local law.
Potential Health Risks and Public Guidance
Salmonella is a common but serious pathogen. While many healthy individuals recover without treatment, it can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection may become systemic, leading to conditions such as endocarditis or infected aneurysms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long warned of the risks associated with unregulated herbal supplements like kratom, which has seen rising use in the US. While it remains legal at the federal level, kratom’s safety profile is under increasing scrutiny. This recall reinforces concerns about quality control in the industry, where oversight can vary significantly.
Consumers in possession of the affected kratom products are urged not to consume them. They may contact the company at [email protected] or call 888-347-5088 (Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm GMT) for a full refund. The recall has been announced in coordination with the FDA, which has published a full list of affected products and UPC codes on its official site. The agency continues to monitor developments and may update guidance if further issues are identified.
