Mexico City, Mexico — More than 64,000 vaporizers have been removed from consumer shelves around the country. The count of their removal is being done by Cofepris, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks, who are confiscating the illegal products.
As of July 12, the Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (Cofepris) reports seizing a total of 64,495 vapes and electronic cigarettes throughout Mexico.
The removal of the illegal products is being done in coordination with state health authorities, who together, have made 2,093 commercial verification visits around the country.
More than 150 establishments (including vending machines) have been suspended from selling the illegal products.
In their statement, the federal agency said “Cofepris, in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, issued an alert on May 19 warning consumers of the potential damage caused by the inhalation of toxic substances found in vapes which can result in acute respiratory illnesses to the point of death.
“On various occasions, vapers include presentations, additives and flavorings that are attractive to the adolescent public, endangering their health. In addition, they are advertised as an alternative to smoking cessation. However, so far, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim,” Cofepris said.
