Ireland Issues Voluntary Recall on Kava

DUBLIN--Add Ireland to the growing listing of countries reviewing the safety of kava products. The Irish Medicines Board (IMB), following a consultation with the health care industry, issued a voluntary recall for kava products this past Monday. Those who were involved in the discourse included various pharmaceutical organizations and herbal associations, including the Irish Health Trade Association, the Irish Association of Health Stores, the Irish Association of Medical Herbalists and the Irish Herbal Practitioners Association.

"We appreciate the cooperation of the industry on this issue, who have given their support due to these serious safety concerns," stated IMB's medical director, Joan Gilvarry. "This issue is being kept under review at both national and EU [European Union] levels and any additional data will be considered."

According to the agency, this decision was made in the interest of protecting the public health. IMB based its actions on serious adverse reactions linked to kava, including liver damage and transplants, and which were reported in Switzerland and Germany. While there have been no such reports in Ireland, the country feels it is prudent to take these actions.

Gilvarry added that the data on kava is "confounding" at this time. Although a number of hypotheses have been introduced as to why kava may have this adverse effect on the liver, she stated that none have been conclusive.

The IMB site (www.imb.ie) will be updated with kava findings throughout the year. For more on France's and Germany's kava actions, visit www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/21h1016114.html and www.naturalproductsinsider.com/hotnews/21h28143959.html.