FDA moves to ban potent Kratom extract found in gas station products

Federal health officials say they are taking steps to ban access to a dangerous opioid by-product known as 7-OH, a concentrated extract from the kratom plant that could be more potent than morphine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is seeing high levels of 7-OH, short for 7-hydroxymitragynine, in some over-the-counter products being sold at gas stations and convenience stores. Officials say the packaging and flavors may appear attractive to children, even though the products have not undergone any formal safety testing.

The FDA recently issued warning letters to seven companies selling products containing 7-OH, including shots, capsules, drink mixes and gummies. Regulators said the products are being illegally marketed as dietary supplements or unapproved drugs.

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