American Kratom Association Announces Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Standards for Vendors
AKA Moves to Enhance Consumer Protections in the Kratom Industry
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Kratom Association (AKA) chairman Dave Herman announced today the official launch of the AKA GMP Standards Program that looks to enhance the safety of kratom products offered to consumers, including a confirmed and current list of kratom manufacturers who have committed to follow strict manufacturing and processing standards, as verified by a third-party auditor. This move, according to Herman, will allow consumers to make informed choices on kratom products they purchase.
"We are undertaking this effort with the intention of making a safe industry even safer," Herman said. "We want kratom consumers to feel comfortable and assured in purchasing from qualified vendors who agree to participate in the AKA GMP Standards Program." According to Herman, the process will provide kratom consumers with the confidence they need that they are purchasing kratom that has been processed safely and according to enhanced guidelines.
"The AKA GMP Standards Program will help reassure the public and demonstrate to the FDA, DEA, lawmakers, and others that the kratom industry is acting responsibly," Herman said. "Those who pass muster will be acknowledged as being 'AKA GMP Qualified'."
Herman stressed that "the AKA GMP Standards Program will also protect kratom consumers from unscrupulous vendors who produce kratom products using sloppy manufacturing procedures that allow for contamination, and equally important the standards program will exclude vendors who deliberately adulterate kratom products to boost their effect by adding dangerous and sometimes deadly substances like fentanyl or morphine."
Once a company has affirmed it will follow these manufacturing standards and commits to the independent audit schedules to verify that it has adopted the AKA GMP Standards, the American Kratom Association will add that vendor to its list of qualified vendors on its website.
Herman said: "Vendors will also agree to annual independent audits of their facility and manufacturing processes to ensure that they remain compliant with these standards."
Kratom leaves have been used safely for centuries by people throughout Asia. Over the past four decades, US kratom suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors have turned those ingredients into teas, powders and capsules, helping Americans throughout the country enjoy the natural benefits kratom provides.
The AKA GMP Standards Program is the next step in a maturing industry that looks to protect the kratom consumer and provide enhanced industry standards.
Vendors that would like to participate in the AKA GMP Certification Program should visit the dedicated webpage. For more information about the American Kratom Association and its mission, visit www.americankratom.org.
SOURCE American Kratom Association
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