Proposal P256 - Review of Kava (Standards O10/2.6.3)
9 October 2002
INITIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS to the Authority in relation to this matter: |
Full Report [ pdf 235 kb ]
Executive Summary
Volumes 1 and 2 of the Food Standards Code contain a standard that regulates kava (Standards O10/2.6.3 - Kava). Kava regulation in Australia is complex: kava is permitted for traditional use in the food supply (i.e. the raw, ground or dried root) but it cannot be mixed with other foods. These regulations reflected the need to legalise the traditional use of kava while managing its supply and distribution. However, kava is not prohibited in dietary supplements in New Zealand, and as such, products can enter Australia via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement. Until recently, kava was permitted in complementary medicines in Australia.
To allow transition of the kava standard to the new joint Food Standards Code, a new standard (Standard 2.6.3) was established which mirrored Standard O10 with the addition of one amendment. This amendment recognised that kava could be lawfully added to foods regulated under the New Zealand Dietary Supplement Regulations 1985 (NZDSR). This amendment was made pending a full review of the standard at a later date.
The purpose of this Initial Assessment Report is to notify stakeholders of the impending review of Standards O10/2.6.3 - Kava. The report is intended to raise issues involved in the regulation of kava in the food supply. The report is designed to assist in identifying the affected parties, to provide regulatory options, and to analyse the potential impacts of any regulatory or non-regulatory provisions. The information needed to review this proposal will include information from public submissions. Public submissions are now invited on this initial assessment report.
FSANZ's primary objective during this review is to ensure that kava and any food that contains kava as an ingredient (which at this stage are only products regulated under the NZDSR, are safe for human consumption. Given recent reports of liver damage associated with supplement products containing kava, and the voluntary recall of complementary medicines containing kava, a review of the safety of kava, as both the raw product and standardised extract, as well as risk management options will be considered.
Full Report [ pdf 235 kb ]