Kratom is not regulated as a drug by the FDA, so the quality of what is in the bag depends heavily on the seller. Learning to read a label and a lab report is one of the most practical steps you can take to understand what a product contains. This guide covers what to look for, what the numbers mean, and common red flags.
What a good kratom label includes
In states with a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, labels are often required to include specific information. Even where they are not, a reputable vendor should provide:
- Product name and form — powder, capsules, extract, etc.
- Ingredients — for leaf products, this should be kratom leaf only.
- Alkaloid content — mitragynine, and ideally 7-OH, per serving or per gram.
- Net weight and serving information.
- Manufacturer or distributor name and contact details.
- Batch or lot number — so you can match the product to its lab report.
- Warnings — such as age restrictions and advice for pregnant people and those taking medications.
What is a certificate of analysis (COA)?
A COA is a report from a testing laboratory showing what was found in a specific batch. A trustworthy COA should be:
- From an independent, third-party lab, not the vendor itself.
- Matched to the batch — the lot number on the COA should match your package.
- Recent — dated close to when the batch was produced.
- Complete — showing results and the lab’s limits, not just “pass.”
Many labs include a QR code or a verification link so you can confirm the report is real on the lab’s own site.
What the test results mean
Alkaloid content
The report usually lists mitragynine as a percentage of the product’s weight. Natural leaf powder typically falls in the low single-digit percentages. 7-OH in natural leaf should be very low — a result far above trace levels suggests an enhanced or concentrated product. For background, see Kratom Alkaloids Explained.
Heavy metals
Look for results for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, compared against an accepted safety limit. FDA testing has found heavy metals in some kratom products, so this section matters.
Microbiological testing
Results should show testing for salmonella, E. coli, and total yeast and mold. Kratom products were linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak in 2018.
Other contaminants
Some labs also test for pesticides and residual solvents (important for extracts).
Red flags
- No lab report available, or the vendor refuses to share one
- A COA with no lot number, an old date, or no lab name
- Health claims that kratom treats, cures or prevents a disease — these are not permitted, and suggest a vendor willing to cut corners
- Marketing aimed at young people, such as candy-like packaging or flavors
- 7-OH as the headline ingredient, or “enhanced” claims without clear alkaloid numbers
- Products sold without any age verification
Other signals of a responsible vendor
- Participation in the American Kratom Association’s voluntary GMP Standards Program
- Compliance with state KCPA rules where they sell
- Clear customer service and return policies
- Refusal to ship to states where kratom is banned
None of these guarantee safety, but together they make problems less likely. Testing does not change kratom’s inherent risks — see Kratom Side Effects and Risks.
Frequently asked questions
Is kratom FDA approved?
No. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and does not test kratom products before they are sold.
What should mitragynine content be in kratom powder?
It varies by batch, but natural leaf powder is generally in the low single-digit percent range. Much higher numbers point to extracts or enhanced products.
Can I trust a vendor’s own lab test?
An in-house test is less reliable than an independent third-party test. Look for a report from an outside lab that you can verify.
Sources
- FDA: Laboratory Analysis of Kratom Products for Heavy Metals
- CDC: Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Kratom Products (2018)
- American Kratom Association: GMP Standards Program
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA and Kratom
Kratom Universe publishes independent educational information. Nothing on this site is medical or legal advice. Kratom is not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with a healthcare provider before using kratom, and check your state and local laws. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
