Supermarkets Pull ELF Bar Vape Products Over Illegal Nicotine Levels

On February 6th, a leading UK newspaper, the Daily Mail, found through their investigation that the ELFBAR 600 series of e-cigarette products contain excessive levels of nicotine, with at least a 50% higher e-liquid content than legally allowed at 2ml. As a result, three major supermarket chains, Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, immediately removed the watermelon-flavored product from this series, with Morrisons going even further by pulling all ELFBAR 600 series products from their shelves. According to statista data, these three supermarkets represent 52.1% of the UK market share, as shown in the graph below.

Data source: Statista | Graphics: 2FIRSTS.

A spokesperson for Morrisons has told ITV that the decision to cease sales of the entire ELFBAR 600 series is part of a joint investigation with the Trading Standards Bureau. The products will only be restocked once it has been confirmed that they fully comply with relevant UK laws.

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's quickly followed suit, stating that the company is in close communication with its suppliers and has temporarily removed the affected ELFBAR products while they conduct further investigations.

In addition, Asda supermarket chain has stated that it is working with suppliers to investigate this matter and has not yet revealed whether it has removed ELFBAR products from its shelves.

According to retail industry publication, Betterretailing, ELFBAR has issued an apology letter to the Daily Mail. The company stated that a "production accident" was the cause of the situation and declared:

We would like to assure you that we are working around the clock with all our supply chain partners to replace all stock and ensure, 100%, that no products containing 3ml capacity pods will be present in the UK. The new batches with 2ml capacity will be arriving in the UK within 30 days.

According to the media report, British wholesaler Booker has issued an urgent recall for all ELFBAR 600 series products and advised its downstream retailers to stop selling all flavors of the disposable electronic cigarette. The stocked flavors include:

Blueberry 20mg.

Apple Peach 20mg

Banana ice cream 20mg.

Blueberry raspberry 20mg.

Blueberry extract containing 20mg

Cherry 20mg.

Cherry Cola with 20mg of caffeine.

Coke contains 20 milligrams.

Cotton Candy Ice with 20mg of (unknown substance).

Elf Ice 20mg" (This phrase itself does not make sense in English. It could possibly be a brand name or a product but does not translate well directly into journalistic English.)

20mg of grapes.

Kiwi, passionfruit, and pomegranate extract at a dose of 20mg

Crazy Blue 20mg.

Mango 20mg.

Pineapple, peach, and mango contains 20mg.

Pink grapefruit 20mg.

Pink lemonade contains 20 milligrams.

20mg of Liulanxiang

Strawberry ice cream with a dose of 20mg.

20mg Strawberry Ice.

Strawberry Kiwi 20mg.

Strawberry, Raspberry, and Cherry Ice with a 20mg concentration.

This phrase has no meaning in English as it appears to be a Chinese term followed by a measurement unit. Can you please provide more context or information so I can assist you effectively?

References:

Supermarkets have pulled the Elf Bar vape flavour off their shelves following the discovery of illegal levels of nicotine in the product.

Booker has instructed stores to remove Elfbar products from sale, dropping all 600 of its lines.