Warning About a Dangerous Product You May Be Selling
Station operators and convenience store owners are often under the microscope over the products they sell. Typically, the attention is on tobacco-related items, but recently there has been a great deal of attention on over-the-counter "wellness" supplements.
In the past few months, a lot of attention has been paid to products containing "tianeptine", an opioid alternative that is used as an antidepressant in some parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. A similar, but less potent herbal substance called “kratom” is also on the rise. Like tianeptine, kratom can also create stimulant, opioid-like effects.
The Federal Drug Administration ("FDA") has not approved the use of "tianeptine" in the United States. Furthermore, compounds derived from kratom are also not currently approved for legal use.
However, tianeptine has been found mixed into retail products commonly sold at convenience stores, delis, tobacco shops, gasoline stations, and vape shops. This substance has been given the worrying nickname "gas station heroin".
Those who consume the product have reported seizures, vomiting, hallucinations; and, in a handful of cases, death from overdoses. One such item cited by the FDA and sold illegally is the "Neptune's Fix" brand, which health officials in New Jersey previously identified as being linked to a cluster of poisonings. In fact, a family friend with ties to some NJGCA staff recently died after consuming one of these products (31 years old)-- making this reality especially poignant.
It should be noted that the Neptune's Fix brand is not the only product associated with tianeptine, but appears to be the most recognizable. Small business owners and merchants should be aware that there may be attempts to sell tianeptine-laced items under other names, the most common being Zaza, Pegasus, and Tianaa.
The FDA is continuing to test Neptune's Fix and related products for illegal and harmful ingredients, while monitoring the sale, use, and reports of their use. In addition, federal authorities are prosecuting suppliers who are smuggling tianeptine products in the United States.
Even if the sale of tianeptine products is not strictly illegal at this time, you could be held liable by a victim and/or their family if they buy something from you with serious health consequences not disclosed on the container. Bear in mind too that the people selling it to you will likely be nowhere to be found when the law comes looking, leaving you holding the bag entirely. Several states have already banned tianeptine.
You can read the FDA Alert HERE.
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