France Suspends Sale of Kava Products

PARIS--As of yesterday, the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) has suspended the sale of products and preparations containing kava. However, homeopathic treatments may still be sold in dilutions equal or higher than 5CH.

According to the agency, this decision was based on various factors, including the recent health concerns linked to kava from German and Swiss authorities. AFSSAPS noted that, to date, kava may be linked to one death and four liver transplants. The agency reported that in some of these cases, kava had been used sporadically, while other adverse events had occurred months after discontinuation. The agency recommended that those taking kava should stop. For a copy of the decision (in French), visit www.agmed.sante.gouv.fr.