SCOPE:

This Standard applies to fresh or dried kava products that are used to prepare a beverage when mixed with potable water, intended for human consumption.

DESCRIPTION:

Kava products are derived from selected parts of the Noble cultivar of the kava plant, Piper methysticum G. Forst in the Family Piperaceae. The parts of the kava plant used to produce kava products may include:

a) Peeled, fresh and/or dried rhizomes, basal stems (up to the first node on each kava branch); and

b) Fresh and/or dried roots.

Upper stems, leaves, peelings (bark), and extraction residues are excluded.

Fresh Kava Products – prepared using peeled rhizomes, peeled basal stems and/or roots.

Dried Kava Products – may be in the form of intact lateral roots or peeled rhizomes, or peeled chips, or in powdered form.

GUIDELINES:

• Kava plants used as raw material for kava products shall be a Noble variety, Piper methysticum G. Forst in the Family Piperaceae.
• Kava plants should be cultivated using Good Agricultural Practices. The roots, rhizomes and/or basal stems are harvested and washed and peeled when tissues have been exposed to sunlight. They may be sliced, dried or fresh. Dried kava may also be ground into powder.
• The product shall meet all the required quality criteria such as being free from pests and any foreign contamination.
• Fresh kava products shall be quick frozen and maintained at < -18˚C.
• Dried kava products shall be stored in a sealed container and the moisture content shall not exceed 12%.
• If prepared from fresh kava, the ground or macerated kava is mixed with potable water and may be filtered prior to consumption.
• If prepared from dried kava, the powder is mixed with potable water and may be filtered prior to consumption.
• No additives are permitted in the product.
• The product shall comply with the Maximum Residue Limits for pesticides established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
• The name of the food shall be “fresh kava” or “dried kava” together with the part of the kava plant from which the kava product is derived.
• The label of each container of kava products shall have a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable message, which includes the following points:
• the statement “Steps to prepare the beverage” or a similar statement
• “Use only potable water to prepare the kava beverage” or a similar statement
• Kava products may have a clear marking to indicate that they are not intended for medicinal purposes.

Reference

Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards. (2022). Standard for Kava Products for Use as a Beverage when Mixed with Water.