The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has responded to recent concerns over vitamin diffusers that are marketed as healthy alternatives to e-vaporisers (vapes).
In a statement issued on Monday (22 Sept), HSA said vitamin diffusers are classified under “imitation tobacco products”, which are banned in Singapore.
HSA also cautioned that vitamin diffusers may contain substances not intended for consumption, which could lead to long-term health risks.
HSA cautioned that imitation tobacco products, despite appearing harmless, could pose adverse health effects.
The agency explained that such products may, over time, serve as a gateway to experiment with cigarettes or even hard drugs.
Source: rattanakun on Canva. For illustration purposes only
Youths are particularly vulnerable to such risks, warned HSA.
Those convicted of buying, using, or possessing imitation tobacco products face a fine of up to S$2,000.
The HSA added that it has been actively tracking online listings, social media posts, and messaging platforms to detect and remove illegal advertisements and posts.
Over the period between 1 April and 30 June, the agency removed over 2,000 vape-related listings, which included imitation tobacco products.
As authorities in Singapore step up enforcement action on vapes, some have expressed concerns over vitamin diffusers marketed as healthy alternatives.
Such products, often promoted by influencers, claim to be loaded with substances such as caffeine, vitamin B12, and melatonin.
Also read: ‘Vitamin diffusers’ sold online allegedly without nicotine or tobacco spark concerns
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Featured image adapted from VitaStik and HSA.