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For Immediate
Release:
March 25, 2002

For more information:
202/332-9110

  Statement Of CSPI Legal Affairs Director Bruce Silverglade On The FDA’s Consumer Advisory On Kava-containing Supplements

     We are pleased that the Food and Drug Administration moved today to warn the public of the dangers presented by the dietary supplement kava. This is a product that has been linked to very serious liver problems, including hepatitis and cirrhosis — and should probably not be on the market at all.

     We urge all consumers who have experienced adverse symptoms after consuming products containing kava to report their cases to the FDA immediately, and we urge consumers to steer clear of kava altogether unless directed otherwise by a physician.