Health Canada has issued a reminder about last August's stop sale order on kava products in the form of a reminder to consumers about potential kava risks. It has noted that kava products are still available through retail outlets despite the stop sale and recall notice intended to eliminate access to products containing the herb, traditionally and typically used for anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, pain and muscle tension.
The stop sale order was issued after four instances of liver toxicity were reported in Canada, with others noted elsewhere in the world, apparently associated with kava use.