Federal authorities have seized about 73,000 units of products containing 7-hydroxymitragine, known as 7-OH, from three warehouses in the Kansas City area. The Justice Department and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that these actions targeted illegal distribution of 7-OH products.
According to complaints filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, two local firms—Shaman Botanicals LLC and Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC—continued distributing unlawful 7-OH products despite previous warnings from the FDA. Inspections confirmed ongoing violations after those warnings.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the seizures with support from FDA officials.
“Products containing 7-OH are illegal under federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We have seen numerous reports of harmful health consequences in consumers, including children, who have taken 7-OH products. Working with our partners at FDA, we will take action against anyone participating in the illegal distribution of these products.”
U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri stated: “The 7-OH products seized are illegal under federal law and pose risks to consumers, including children. We are committed to helping American consumers protect themselves from dangerous chemicals posing as health products. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure illegal products never enter the stream of commerce and pursue all possible civil and criminal remedies against those who violate federal laws.”
The FDA has classified 7-OH as dangerous and potentially addictive and recommended that certain forms be controlled under the Controlled Substances Act as of July 2025. The agency also sent warning letters to multiple companies regarding their unlawful sale of these items.
Federal regulations prohibit dietary supplements from containing ingredients not marketed in the United States before October 15, 1994 unless there is adequate information proving safety for consumers. Since there is insufficient data showing that 7-OH does not present significant risk, its inclusion in dietary supplements is considered illegal.
Warrants authorizing seizure were issued by court clerks following each complaint.
Assistant Director Patrick Runkle, Senior Litigation Counsel David Sullivan, and Senior Trial Attorney James T. Nelson from the Justice Department’s Civil Division are leading prosecution efforts alongside Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sarmad Khojasteh. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bradshaw and Leigh Farmakidis in Missouri contributed support along with attorneys from both Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel and FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.
