Feds Seize 73,000 7‑OH Products as Kansas City Weighs Retail Ban

Overview

• FDA and DOJ, with the U.S. Marshals Service, seized about 73,000 7‑hydroxymitragynine products on Dec. 2 from three Kansas City–area warehouses, including pills, bars and liquid shots.
• Federal filings say products with added 7‑OH are illegal under food laws, citing risks to consumers, and a U.S. attorney said the government will pursue civil and criminal remedies.
• The FDA sent warning letters in June, then detained about 76,000 units during unannounced inspections on Nov. 12–13 before DOJ filed a Nov. 21 civil forfeiture complaint that preceded the seizures.
• Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued civil investigative demands to producers and distributors, including Shaman Botanicals, seeking test results, safety data and labeling information.
• Kansas City is considering an ordinance to bar unregulated kratom and 7‑OH sales, with potential fines, jail time, license consequences and a 10‑day removal window if approved, as officials cite opioid‑like risks, an overdose report and nuisance concerns while a manufacturer disputes the seizure’s scope.