Public consultation on proposed changes to the kava food standard closed 13 March 2026. We have now released our summary of submissions.
Summary of submissions on the proposed changes to the kava food standard [PDF, 624 KB]
The closing date for sending submissions was extended by 2 weeks to 11.59pm on 13 March 2026.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invited feedback on proposed changes to New Zealand's kava food standard.
The proposed changes included:
The kava food standard sets requirements for the sale of kava as a food in New Zealand. The standard does not set requirements for how kava is used after purchase.
This consultation closed at 11.59pm on 13 March 2026.
Kava sourced from noble varieties has a history of safe use in New Zealand.
Making the standard clearer about the prohibition of processing aids and food additives would make the rules easier to follow. This would help maintain the safety of kava use.
These changes aligned with the joint Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization Codex Alimentarius Commission 'Regional Standard for Kava Products for use as a Beverage When Mixed with Water' (CXS 336R-2020 ).
Full details about the changes were in the discussion document.
Proposed changes to the kava standard [PDF, 387 KB]
Fijian: Proposed changes to the kava standard [PDF, 249 KB]
Samoan: Proposed changes to the kava standard [PDF, 249 KB]
Tongan: Proposed changes to the kava standard [PDF, 252 KB]
Between 12 noon and 1.30pm on Monday 23 February 2026 we hosted a webinar on the proposed changes.
The current kava standard sets composition and labelling requirements for kava sold in New Zealand.
Standard 2.6.3 Kava: Food Standards – Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code [PDF, 394 KB]
Kava products for sale must be either:
Kava products in packaging must be labelled with 2 warning statements: ‘Use in moderation’ and ‘May cause drowsiness.’ Where products are sold without packaging, these statements must be displayed on signs during sale or in printed form that will go with the kava when it is sold.
Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.
People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.
If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.
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