UK food watchdog The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising consumers to avoid any food products containing kava kava, and will consult on legislation to ensure any food products containing the herb are removed from the market in light of a new safety assessment.

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Concerns have been raised in relation to the safety of kava kava and its toxic effect on the liver. There have been at least 68 reported cases worldwide of liver problems suspected to be associated with the herb, including 3 in the UK.


The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) assessed kava kava and concluded that the safety risks associated with it far outweigh any potential therapeutic benefits.

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