Angela Watson
Aug 9, 2017 · 2 min read

Let’s get down to business and to the point so you can finally understand exactly what you are entitled to and deserve as a dietary supplement (kratom) customer.

To be clear, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is the result of various lab tests for a specific batch of products based on the criteria below.

So, what is actually required by the FDA for both Food ingredients and Dietary Supplements?

1. Botanical Identity Test — Arguably the most important of tests that makes sure you have Mitragyna speciosa. If you don’t have the correct plant, the other tests won’t matter. It rules out common adulteration or issues with the plant material itself. Every batch of product will have a Botanical Identity Test that proves product has not been adulterated, and is 100% Kratom with nothing else added.

2. Microbiology Test — Will test for presence various bacteria such as Ecoli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. The result is either a pass or fail. See example below:

Microbiology Test for Botanical Ingredients
Microbiology Test for Finished Botanical Products

3. Heavy Metals — Examines the material to make sure you are under your limits for Arsenic, Lead, Mercury and Cadmium.

That covers basics!

These tests are fairly simple and can be explained further by your vendor. For instance, Botanical Identity is pretty easy. If you were testing for Green Tea, it is either Green Tea or not Green Tea.

How does the lab know? They use characteristics and markers in the botanical to conduct the test like a plant finger print. It’s not as complicated as it looks and every vendor should have each and every one of these.

If you have any more questions, please comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Angela Watson
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