Two of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are removing one of the most popular e-cigarettes from their shelves after illegal levels of nicotine were found.
The Watermelon-flavoured ELFBAR which contains “600 puffs” were found to have at least 50% more than the legal limit for nicotine e-liquid. Nicotine strength must be no higher than 20mg/ml or 2% advertised on packages.
Across the country, the vape product has been removed from Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores with Tesco releasing EPW (Emergency Product Withdraw) yesterday (Wednesday 8th February).
A Tesco spokesperson said: We have temporarily removed one ELFBAR vape line from sale as a precautionary measure, whilst the manufacturer urgently investigates these claims.”
Other vape products are on sale and only the ELFBAR brand has been removed.
Sainsbury’s quickly responded with a spokesperson saying: “We are in close contact with our supplier and have temporarily removed the affected Elf Bar product whilst they investigate further.”
It is unclear at this time if whether or not Morrisons or Asda have removed the products from their shelves but both companies have released statements.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We are taking this very seriously and we can confirm that we’re working closely with ELFBAR and Trading Standards to investigate this further.”
Asda have confirmed with Dorset News & View From Online that they are working on the issue and are working with the manufacturer.
The removal of the product comes after a Daily Mail investigation, when the newspaper purchased multiple £5.99 vapes, at a Derbyshire Tesco, and sent them for testing.
An ELFBAR spokesman told the Daily Mail:
“We found out that some batches of the Elf Bar product have been overfilled in the UK.
“It appears that e-liquid tank sizes, which are standard in other markets [such as the US], have been inadvertently fitted to some of our UK products.
“We wholeheartedly apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.
It added it would alert retailers and review its production process. ELFBAR insisted the “highly regrettable situation” did not compromise the product’s safety.