The Codex Alimentarius Commission approved a standard for kava products for use as a beverage when mixed with water today.

“The work started way back in 2004 in Apia, Samoa, and has taken 16 years to get here,” explained the representative of Vanuatu on behalf of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for North America and South West Pacific (CCNASWP), the region where the standard will be used.

Kava is part of the culture and the economy of the Pacific Islands. The root of the kava plant, native to the region, is used to prepare a traditional drink. The new regional standard for kava products for use as a beverage when mixed with water is expected to facilitate fair trade practices and strengthen local economies.

Kava - photo credit ©Joseph Brun_2020 (Vanuatu)

Countries in the CCNASWP were ‘super excited’ about the prospect of their first-ever regional standard being adopted at the first-ever virtual meeting of Commission, now in its 43rd session.

Vanuatu, who led the work to develop the standard through an electronic working group, recognized the support of several Codex Members. “I acknowledge the former colleagues from countries in the region who were also part of this work: Lemalu Simi (Samoa), Uelia Petelo (Samoa), Baegeorge Swua (Vanuatu), Akuma Malas (Vanuatu) and Gene Bule (Vanuatu),” he said. “I acknowledge also the support and understanding of all CCNASWP Members and other friends of kava who provided comments on the draft standard. New Zealand, your Codex team was excellent with its support.”

Having served as the Regional Coordinator since 2016, Vanuatu’s term has come to a close and Fiji has been nominated by the region to assume the role starting after the current session of the Commission.

Read more about the Regional standard for kava products for use as a beverage when mixed with water