Recent inspections conducted by the SPF Health in Belgium have uncovered a disturbing trend among e-cigarette vendors, with half of them found to be in violation of the recently implemented stricter regulations. In Brussels, the infraction rate soars to an alarming 80%, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad, Gazet van Antwerpen, Het Belang van Limburg, and De Standaard on Monday.
The new rules, which came into effect 18 months ago, prohibit the use of gadgets designed to make e-cigarettes more eye-catching and appealing. Additionally, vendors are not allowed to employ enthusiastic slogans that give the impression that vaping is beneficial to one's health. However, it appears that many e-cigarette sellers have not taken these stricter regulations to heart.
Outgoing Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has assured that he will take a tougher stance against non-compliant vendors if the number of infractions remains at such a high level. CD&V MP Els Van Hoof has expressed grave concern over these figures and believes that more needs to be done to make vaping less attractive, particularly to young people.
Els Van Hoof has proposed eliminating the wide variety of flavors that create the impression that vaping is tasty and healthy. She has submitted a bill to this effect, which is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives.
As the vaping industry faces increasing scrutiny and regulation, it is crucial for vendors to adhere to the rules set forth by health authorities. Failure to do so not only puts public health at risk but also undermines the credibility of the industry as a whole.
