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Authorities warn against highly potent illegal vapes
Authorities have raised concerns about the dangers of illicit high-capacity “big puff” vapes, following the seizure of a product vastly exceeding legal tank size limits. The R&M Tornado Vape, flagged by the European Safety Gate, contains 30ml of liquid—far surpassing the legal allowance. The alert follows a significant enforcement operation in Lincolnshire, where police confiscated thousands of illegal cigarettes and vapes from multiple shops. Trading standards officials warn that these unregulated products may carry additional risks than products that meet regulations and have pledged to intensify efforts to curb their distribution.
Source: BBC news, 26 February 2025
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African health systems face collapse as chronic diseases surge
Health services across Africa are under severe strain due to the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, a leading public health expert has warned. Foreign aid has historically prioritised infectious diseases, leaving conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease to grow unchecked. Non-communicable diseases accounted for over a third of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2019, a figure expected to rise as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and pollution take their toll. With limited government funding and most treatment costs falling on individuals, health systems risk becoming unsustainable. Dr Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Heath Africa, said the blames lies with multinational corporations chasing profits and urged African leaders to take greater responsibility in implementing public health measures. He also encouraged governments to explore taxing harm causing industries, such as the tobacco industry, the alcohol industry and the unhealthy food and drink industry to fund healthcare initiatives.
Source: The Guardian, 27 February 2025
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USA: Vape firms restructure to bypass US regulations
E-cigarette companies facing regulatory action in the United States have shifted operations offshore or altered their business structures, complicating enforcement efforts. Chinese vape manufacturer Heaven Gifts transferred its Lost Mary brand to a British Virgin Islands firm following an FDA ban on imports of its flagship Elfbar product. Meanwhile, Texas-based Ludicrous Distro ceased selling its own unauthorised vapes but now distributes other unlicensed brands. Despite denying licenses to some 26 million new nicotine devices since October 2020, the FDA has struggled to control the influx of illicit vaping products, citing limited resources and evolving business tactics.
Source: Reuters, 25 February 2025
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