The Health Service Executive (HSE) has distributed a safety advisory concerning two vape products found containing illicit levels of nicotine. E-LIQUID Tobacco 24mg/ml, Ben Son 24mg/ml, USA Mix 24mg/ml and QST Puff Flex 2800 puffs 5% nicotine electronic cigarette in flavours like Red Bull, Peach Ice, Blueberry on Ice, Watermelon Ice and Mango Ice were singled out in the Wednesday notice for exceeding legal nicotine concentration; namely, 20mg/ml or 2%.
HSE’s investigation revealed that nicotine content in some E-LIQUID refill containers reached as high as 25.4mg/ml and surpassed 30mg/ml for QST Puff Flex 2800 puffs electronic cigarettes. Following laboratory evaluations, two RAPEX alert notifications were sent to the European Safety Gate – EU quick-response system for hazardous non-food products – by HSE’s National Environmental Health Service and National Tobacco Control Office. Notification was also made to e-cigarette and e-liquid refill container importers and distributors.
Stressing the onus placed on manufacturers and importers, Dr Maurice Mulcahy, senior regional environmental health officer at the HSE, reminded them of their obligation to adhere strictly to all legislative regulations. These include the need to notify the HSE in advance of their intention to launch products on the Irish market via the European Common Entry Gate Portal. Furthermore, they have complete accountability for product quality and safety given their normal or reasonably anticipated use.
As part of HSE’s proactive approach, it is encouraging the public to scrutinise their e-cigarettes to ascertain whether they are the ones pinpointed in the alert. Dr. Mulcahy requested consumers who purchased such products to cease its use and return it to the purchase store. Retailers are also urged to discontinue selling the aforementioned products and to share supplier traceability details with the HSE.
We would like to urge any retailers who have carried or dispersed any of the mentioned goods below to retract them. We request them to exhibit a retraction announcement clearly in their shop location and on their online platform.