FDA Declares Kava a Conventional Food, Boosting Pacific Exports

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially categorized kava as a conventional food under U.S. federal law, a development poised to offer significant advantages for Fiji’s kava industry and broader Pacific exporters. This clarification asserts that kava, when prepared traditionally—combined only with water and consumed as a beverage—holds a valid and established status within the U.S. food system.

This ruling brings much-needed regulatory certainty after years of contentious debates regarding kava exports to the U.S. and Europe dating back to the early 1990s. For Fiji, where kava is an integral part of cultural practices and livelihoods, this decision is celebrated as a significant breakthrough. Local exporters have long struggled with barriers stemming from negative perceptions associated with non-traditional kava uses, such as combinations with alcohol or narcotics, which do not reflect the traditional practices of the Pacific.

The FDA’s new stance offers a clear guideline for policymakers and health inspectors, bolstering the argument for kava to be governed under existing food safety regulations rather than being categorized as a drug. This development is expected to aid Fiji in enhancing market access, especially in Australia and Europe, where previous legislation has posed restrictions on imports.

Interest in kava has notably elevated on the U.S. West Coast over the past decade, marked by the proliferation of kava bars and a growing consumer appetite. In 2024 alone, the value of kava exports from Fiji and Vanuatu to the U.S. is estimated to be between US$26 million and US$45 million.

In a statement, the FDA indicated that the traditional cultural use of kava as a beverage was a key factor in their assessment under federal law, reaffirming the legitimacy of the conventional preparation methods prevalent in the Pacific. This positive recognition is expected to revitalize the kava market, providing a promising outlook for exporters and emphasizing the cultural significance of kava within Pacific communities.