A Trading Standards investigation revealed a shocking finding—13% of supposedly “nicotine-free” vapes sold in the UK actually contained nicotine. This startling finding forms part of a larger report from Operation Joseph, a Department of Health and Social Care-backed initiative aimed at monitoring the sale of illicit vapes and ensuring compliance with regulations.
If you’re concerned about what you’re inhaling when using a nicotine-free vape, here’s a detailed breakdown of what the investigation discovered and what it means for consumers and businesses alike.
What Are Nicotine-Free Vapes?
Originally designed as a smoking cessation tool, nicotine-free vapes offer users the experience of vaping without consuming the addictive substance nicotine. Marketers promote these products as a way to help smokers gradually reduce their nicotine dependence or for individuals who want to enjoy vaping for its flavors and sensations.
However, the findings from the Trading Standards investigation raise serious concerns about whether these claims are always true.
The Operation Joseph Investigation
Trading Standards teams in the Heart of the South West, Salford, and Berkshire analysed 76 products labelled as nicotine-free. What they found included violations that are both troubling and dangerous for consumers.
Key Findings of the Investigation
- Nicotine Found in “Nicotine-Free” Vapes:
Of the 76 samples tested, 13.2% contained nicotine levels ranging from 0.06 mg/ml to as high as 27.02 mg/ml of e-liquid. To put this into perspective, some of these products contained an amount of nicotine equal to that delivered by a traditional pack of 20 cigarettes.
- Exceeding E-Liquid Limits:
Shockingly, all 10 products found to contain nicotine were also in violation of the legal limits set for e-liquid quantities. This means consumers not only unknowingly consumed nicotine, but they also inhaled excessive quantities of e-liquid, amplifying the risks further.
- Double Violations:
Two products exceeded both the limits for e-liquid volume and nicotine strength, highlighting significant regulatory breaches.
Undisclosed Risk to Consumers
These results imply that many individuals who believe they are vaping without exposing themselves to addictive substances may, in fact, be unwittingly consuming nicotine.
Lord Michael Bichard, chairman of National Trading Standards, highlighted the potential dangers, stating, “Nicotine-free vapes can be a useful tool to quit smoking and reduce nicotine dependency, but these findings reveal that people can actually continue to be stuck in a cycle of addiction if sold the highly-addictive substance unknowingly.”
Rising Concerns for Businesses and Regulators
The study shines a spotlight on not only the challenges regulators face in ensuring compliance but also on the responsibility businesses bear in upholding their claims.
A Warning to Businesses
Lord Bichard reminded businesses that selling falsely advertised vapes is a serious violation of consumer trust and the law. “I urge businesses and consumers to be vigilant and report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service by calling 0808 223 1133,” he said.
Alex Fry, operations officer for Heart of the South West Trading Standards, added that these findings would provide valuable intelligence for shaping future regulations.
Implications for Buyers
For consumers, this investigation underlines the importance of checking for reputable and transparent brands when purchasing nicotine-free vapes. Misleading claims on packaging can make it difficult to trust what you’re buying unless thorough checks have been conducted.
To stay safe, experts urge consumers to:
- Opt for vapes from well-known and regulated brands.
- Look for third-party certifications or lab test results available from the manufacturer.
- Be vigilant and report suspicious products or misleading claims to authorities.
Source: dbrecoveryresoures
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