Candy King E-Liquid Recalled for Incorrect Nicotine Level

Drip More has recalled four lots of “Candy King — Worms” e-liquid that the company says contains a higher concentration of nicotine than what is stated on the label. Drip More says the misbranded e-liquid was produced by a contract manufacturer.

The nicotine strength listed on the label is 3 mg/mL. Drip More has not said what concentration is actually in the bottles, but says, “The higher concentration of nicotine has the potential to cause immediate and potentially serious adverse health effects.” The company says is has received no reports of “illness or injury,” but that “some consumers have complained that the product tastes bad, bitter, and/or harsh.”

Without knowing what nicotine strength is in the recalled bottles, it is hard to predict whether the product presents a true health danger. Doubling 3mg/mL liquid to 6, for example, would be unlikely to create a hazard. But if the liquid was three or four times stronger than indicated, an unsuspecting sub-ohm vaper might receive an uncomfortably intense dose of nicotine. If unexpected, such a powerful hit could cause temporary dizziness or other effects.

The recall was announced by Drip More, and also posted on the FDA’s website. The FDA regularly posts recall information for products regulated by the agency, including tobacco, food and drugs.

The recalled products are:

Candy King - Worms 3mg/100ml - Lot Number: WO03021819-1

Candy King - Worms 3mg/100ml - Lot Number: WO03021819-2

Candy King - Worms 3mg/100ml - Lot Number: WO03021819-3

Candy King - Worms 3mg/100ml - Lot Number: WO03021819-4

All four lots have the UPC 653341196767. Photos of the packages and locations of the identifying information are available on the Drip More website.

According to Drip More, more than 7,000 bottles of the misbranded e-liquid was shipped to distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers in the following states:

Drip More says it will notify purchasers by email and letter, and will replace any of the recalled bottles that are returned. Retailers will offer refunds to individuals who bought the e-liquid.

Drip More has been a target of both vaping industry advocates and the FDA before. The company’s Candy King products have frequently been cited as examples of irresponsible marketing. Last May, California-based Drip More received an FDA warning letter for the packaging of two of its e-liquid brands, Candy King Batch and Candy King Sour Worms.

The letter was part of a brief FDA “crackdown” on e-liquid labels that the agency said were a threat to children who might mistake the nicotine-containing liquids for actual food products. Drip More changed its packaging after being cited by the agency.