The first ever consignment of kava imported into Fiji from Papua New Guinea has been rejected.
Fiji TV reports that the five tonnes of kava was not well dried, was infected with fungus and had extra material like peelings which was not listed on the importer's permit.
The director of the Quarantine Department, Hiagi Forete, has confirmed the imported PNG kava failed to comply with strict quarantine requirements.
The department has ordered that the kava be shipped back to Papua New Guinea tomorrow.
