Sadly Infraredz, The HP-TLC is not up and running yet. There are results from various HP-TLC tests on Vincent's laptop, but the machine itself needs a full array of base samples in order to get it going. That is something that is being worked on at present, and needs a budget.
I am absolutely, completely and totally behind your suggestion that vendors have their kava tested, and it will be easy once the HP-TLC is online. Until then, 30cc of acetone and 10g of root powder, and one can determine if it is of a strain that has FKB. Again, that may not be >THE< culprit that caused the issues at the turn of the century, but, we do know it has toxic properties, and I believe should be avoided for safety's sake. Not to mention, tudei kavas were never considered good drinking kavas. I think it is only when it was realized that their rate of growth (like Isa for instance) could generate more profit faster did they become "en vogue" so to speak.
Additionally, I have seen people demanding tests for afalotoxin on kava, but I am curious how many of the same people demand their coffee supplier to test their beans for the same. the FDA food-defect action level for coffee beans is 10% showing signs of visible mold. I understand the DAL for kava is zero. (ZERO!) That is why I understand it is relatively easy to get it seized if you are shipping a final-use product.
With any luck, the machine will get the funding either through the government, or though a public-private partnership (which I am trying to work on now) to get going within the year - with luck, by the end of the year. Until then, as you put it, it is up to us!
Thanks, hope all is well with you.
Very Truly,
Iahi