WHO Issues Warning Regarding Falsely Labelled Propylene Glycol: A Caution for E-Liquid Manufacturers

In a recent announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning that raises concerns about the safety of certain batches of propylene glycol, a key ingredient used in e-liquid manufacturing. The WHO highlighted five contaminated batches, falsely labelled as products of Dow Chemical units based in Asia and Europe.

According to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), three alerts were issued between January and March due to elevated levels of ethylene glycol (EG), a toxic industrial solvent, found in drums allegedly produced by Dow Chemical subsidiaries in Thailand, Germany, and Singapore.

After suspect drums of propylene glycol were sent for testing by Drap, the samples were found to contain significant levels of EG contamination ranging from 0.76% to 100%, well above the safe threshold outlined by international manufacturing standards. This discovery raises concerns for e-liquid manufacturers, as propylene glycol is a commonly used ingredient in vape juice production.

Investigations revealed that some of the contaminated materials were falsely labelled and distributed, raising questions about the integrity of the supply chain within the e-liquid manufacturing industry. The WHO's alert serves as a wake-up call for manufacturers to ensure the quality and authenticity of their raw materials and suppliers.

Despite being labelled as manufactured in 2023, several seized batches by Drap were found to be potentially dangerous, prompting the WHO to issue a global alert urging e-liquid manufacturers to exercise caution and diligence in sourcing their ingredients. This incident underscores the importance of robust quality control measures and strict adherence to manufacturing standards to safeguard consumer health and safety.

As the vaping industry continues to expand, e-liquid manufacturers must prioritize the integrity of their products and take proactive steps to mitigate risks associated with contamination and fraudulent practices in the supply chain. By maintaining stringent quality control protocols and partnering with reputable suppliers, manufacturers can uphold the trust and confidence of their customers while ensuring the safety and quality of their e-liquid products.