Vape product recalled over 'popcorn lung' chemical risk

1News

22-07-2025

A vape product has been recalled after a warning was issued from the Ministry of Health.
The product, Suntree – Vanilla Cream vape liquid, comes in 30ml bottles and has a nicotine content of 18mg.
It contained too much of the chemical diacetyl, which was associated with a lung injury known as popcorn lung, the ministry said.
The ministry said Hoopers Vapour Ltd, who had sold the product, was undertaking a consumer level recall to remove the product from its stalls.
It was understood around 300 of the product have been sold in the last 17 months.
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The ministry said risk of developing lung disease following short term exposure appeared to be low but anyone who developed respiratory symptoms after using the product, or had any other concerns, should contact their healthcare provider.
"Anyone who has this product should immediately stop using it," said the Ministry of Health.
"Any unused product can be disposed of by returning it to the store where it was purchased or by flushing it down the sink with plenty of cold water."
The ministry added the diacetyl content, which had the scientific name of butanedione or butane-2,3-dione, in the fluid was above the allowable limit.
"Diacetyl is used as a flavouring compound and is described as having an intense buttery flavour.
"Exposure to high level of diacetyl through inhalation has been associated with the inflammatory lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as 'popcorn lung'. Symptoms of popcorn lung include shortness of breath, dry cough, wheeze, and fatigue."
In New Zealand, diacetyl is prohibited in high concentrations. The legal limit of the chemical is 22 ppm in vaping products. The ministry said this product had "four times" this amount.
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"The diacetyl limit is part of a broader set of safety thresholds for substances in vaping products, which also include limits for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and various metals.
'Incredibly worrying' - lobby group
Vape-Free Kids NZ co-founder Charyl Robinson said it was "incredibly worrying" that the product was allowed to be sold.
"There are currently 7000 vaping products available for sale in New Zealand, it's proving near impossible to keep track of what chemicals and additives these products contain and if products out there are actually safe."
"Regular checking and testing by the Ministry of Health is only undertaken on less than 3% of the overall number of vapes and e-liquids for sale. Given anyone can mix up some ingredients together in their garage and sell it as e-liquid for people to breathe into their lungs just shows how much of a risk these products can pose."
The ministry, in its advisory about Suntree – Vanilla Cream, said: "The regulatory framework under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 does not require pre-market testing or approval.
"Vaping product manufacturers and importers notify the Ministry about their products and provide information about how their products meet safety standards."