South Korea Food and Drug Administration Investigates E-Cigarette Products

Sep.06.2024
South Korea Food and Drug Administration Investigates E-Cigarette Products
Korean authorities investigate e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine-like substances despite being labeled as nicotine-free.

According to N.News on September 6th, the South Korean Food and Drug Safety Ministry has decided to launch an on-site investigation after finding a substance similar to nicotine in nicotine-free e-cigarette liquid.


The organization stated today (6th) that some liquid inhalation products, including nicotine-like substances, are being marketed online under the guise of being "nicotine-free" products. Nicotine-like substances are chemicals with structures similar to nicotine, with methyl nicotine being a representative example.


The organization issued a warning stating that


Due to the lack of verified safety, it is advised not to inhale these products.


Currently, in products similar to cigarettes that are inhaled, those without nicotine and used to improve smoking habits are designated as over-the-counter drugs. As of now, the only nicotine-free product approved by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is "End Puff" domestically.


Prior to this, KBS reported in June on products containing substances similar to nicotine. These products do not fall under the category of non-prescription nicotine products and do not comply with the Tobacco Business Act, and are being sold online.


The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated,


From January to August of this year, we have inspected online products that falsely or exaggeratingly promote themselves as aids to quitting smoking, and have blocked a total of 448 posts. We will continue to inspect advertisements or labels that may be mistaken for non-prescription drugs.


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