House Bill No. 253, known as the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act," aims to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom products in Louisiana. The bill establishes definitions for various terms related to kratom, including "kratom leaf," "kratom leaf extract," and "kratom product." It prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one and sets forth specific criteria that kratom products must meet, such as not containing dangerous substances, exceeding certain levels of alkaloids, or lacking proper registration with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). Additionally, the bill mandates that kratom products must be accompanied by labels that provide essential information, including ingredient lists, warnings, and allergen information.

Furthermore, the bill requires manufacturers to register their kratom products with the LDH annually and pay a registration fee. They must also submit a certificate of analysis from a testing facility to confirm compliance with the established requirements. In the event of any adverse reactions related to a kratom product, manufacturers are obligated to report these incidents to the LDH and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Failure to report adverse events may result in the revocation of a product's registration. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance consumer safety and ensure that kratom products meet specific health and safety standards.