Awa Root News Today

Based on numerous scientific journals and publications provided to the Health Department and College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the state concluded that the use of the noble variety of ‘awa root, mixed with water or coconut water, is safe and consistent with the substance and intent of federal regulations.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health, in collaboration with the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources has issued a memorandum this week detailing a Generally Recognized as Safe or GRAS determination for ‘awa. The DOH memorandum was developed to recognize the substantial history of consumption of the traditional ‘awa beverage by Native Hawaiians.