Alert in Ireland: Vaping Products Containing Illegal Levels of Nicotine
Le SNational Environmental Health Service (HSE) recently issued an alert via the RAPEX system, the European Union portal for dangerous non-food products. Two vaping products marketed in Ireland have been identified for their nicotine content exceeding legal limits. The authorities are calling on consumers to return these products and demanding that distributors immediately stop marketing them.
The products in question are:
- E-LIQUID: Tobacco 24mg/ml, Ben Son 24mg/ml, and USA Mix 24mg/ml
- QST Puff Flex 2800 puffs 5% nicotine in Red Bull, Peach Ice, Blueberry on Ice, Watermelon Ice, and Mango Ice variants.
Exceeding the Authorized Nicotine Limits
In laboratory tests, E-LIQUID refills were found to exceed the legal limit of 20 mg/ml, reaching up to 25,4 mg/ml. Similarly, QST Puff Flex e-cigarettes showed nicotine levels above 30 mg/ml, well beyond the permitted 2%.
Dr Maurice Mulcahy, Regional Environmental Health Officer at the HSE, reminded manufacturers and importers of their obligation to comply with legislative requirements, including prior notification to the HSE through the European Common Entry Gate. He insisted on the responsibility of companies to ensure that their products comply with current regulations.
Recommendations to Consumers and Measures Taken
The HSE has advised consumers not to use these products and to return them to the point of sale. In the event of serious adverse reactions, it is recommended to seek medical advice and inform the HSE. This alert is part of a series of similar notifications issued in 2022 and 2023, where vaping products containing extremely high levels of nicotine had already been detected.
The Compliance of Vaping Products in Question
These incidents highlight a recurring problem: certain vaping products, notably disposable electronic cigarettes, contain levels of nicotine much higher than those indicated on the packaging. Analyzes across Europe have found similar inconsistencies, highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring and strict enforcement of regulations to protect consumers.