The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, has confirmed his Ministry has launched an investigation into fake kava being sold in Samoa using local labels.
Photo: RNZ
The Samoa Observer says members of the public who consume kava are being warned that the "fake kava" could lead to health problems.
Leausa said they believe the kava could have been imported from either Tonga or Fiji and sold in Samoa using illegal means.
He warned the kava in question poses health risks and members of the public should double check for the legitimacy of the herb before they purchase it for consumption.
He also said the Ministry of Health has confiscated the fake kava products.
Meanwhile, our correspondent says a local producer is accussing a business operator for selling the fake kava.
Mau'u Siaosi Pu'epu'emai alleges the business operator is smuggling the kava from Fiji and selling it in local shops using names of Samoa farmers
He says the Customs office within the Ministry of Revenue should investigate how kava from neighboring Pacific nations got into Samoa without the proper procedure.
The Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, is also looking into the matter.
