Supermarkets Pull ELF Bar Vape Products Over Illegal Nicotine Levels

Feb.09.2023
Supermarkets Pull ELF Bar Vape Products Over Illegal Nicotine Levels
UK supermarkets remove ELFBAR vape products for exceeding legal nicotine levels. Bookers also recalls 600 Elfbar lines.

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.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland Considering Ban on Nicotine Pouches to Protect Youth, Says Chief Medical Officer
Ireland’s Department of Health is examining a ban on nicotine pouches to curb nicotine use among young people. Chief Medical Officer Prof. Mary Horgan said the ban could be included in amendments to the current tobacco bill.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
China’s E-Cigarette Exports Reached USD 879 Million in September 2025, Down 6.08% MoM— U.S. Remains Top Market, Russia Falls Sharply
In September 2025, China’s total e-cigarette exports reached USD 879 million, representing a 6.08% decline month-on-month but a 3.41% increase year-on-year.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
NZ Government Eyes Sale of Smokeless Tobacco; Critics Warn of “Backslide”
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced renewed scrutiny in Parliament’s health select committee over her handling of tobacco-related policy and alleged ties to the tobacco industry. The government is considering allowing smokeless nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches, provided they meet safety and youth-access regulations.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI UK Expands Nordic Spirit Line, Launches 17mg Nicotine Pouch
JTI UK Expands Nordic Spirit Line, Launches 17mg Nicotine Pouch
JTI UK has launched Nordic Spirit’s highest-strength variant—Frosty Mint Max, delivering 17mg of nicotine per pouch—and introduced a refreshed, darker packaging design for the brand.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
Singapore media: Relx-linked firm Hellow SG struck off and office closed in Singapore
According to The Straits Times, after Singapore strengthened anti-vaping enforcement from September 2025, Relx International-linked entity Hellow SG voluntarily applied for deregistration and was officially struck off by ACRA on September 30, closing its local office. The company reportedly undertook regional business support and operated quietly.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai