In an alarming report that has ignited concerns over the safety of online shopping, a recent investigation by London’s LBC Radio revealed that two products marketed as “nicotine-free” vapes on Amazon actually contain nicotine. The two products in question, Blue Razz Ice Lost Mary BM3500 and Fizzy Cherry ENE Legend, were sold by third-party vendors without undergoing proper age verification. After testing, it was confirmed that both vapes contained nicotine, which directly contradicts their "zero nicotine" claims. The situation has raised eyebrows, especially given the lack of adequate regulation on e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
LBC Radio took the matter into their own hands and ordered both the Lost Mary BM3500 and the ENE Legend vape products from Amazon UK. According to their investigation, these products claimed to be nicotine-free, yet lab testing revealed that they actually contained nicotine. While this may seem like a minor mistake, it’s anything but. For consumers, particularly minors who may be looking for a nicotine-free alternative, this could lead to serious health risks and confusion.
The discovery was a major concern for public health officials, especially given that these vapes were being sold on Amazon, one of the world's largest online retailers. The lack of proper age verification, alongside these misleading product claims, only fueled the controversy.
In response to the accusations, Lost Mary, a well-known brand in the vape industry, immediately issued a statement disassociating itself from the fake products. A spokesperson for the brand made it clear that Lost Mary does not sell the BM3500 model in the UK market, emphasizing that these vapes were counterfeit products. They pointed out that Lost Mary has stringent policies in place to manage its distribution channels and is “zero-tolerance” when it comes to counterfeit goods.
"We take this matter very seriously," the spokesperson said. "Lost Mary does not and has never sold the BM3500 model in the UK. These products are clearly counterfeit, and we are actively working to stop these fakes from circulating. We have implemented advanced anti-counterfeit technology, including product codes that can be verified on our website, and are in regular communication with regulatory bodies to combat the illegal flow of fake vapes."
This response highlights an ongoing issue in the vape market, as counterfeit products continue to flood the market, often making their way through online retailers without being flagged or removed.
The spread of counterfeit vapes isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s definitely growing at an alarming rate. From unverified sellers on platforms like Amazon to shady online stores, the market is rife with these illegal products. While major brands like Lost Mary are fighting back with advanced verification systems and partnerships with regulators, there’s still a long way to go before counterfeit products are fully eradicated.
In fact, some experts argue that the rise of these counterfeit products is linked to the increasing demand for flavored vapes. Flavors like Blue Razz Ice and Fizzy Cherry have become incredibly popular among younger consumers, leading counterfeit manufacturers to take advantage of the trend. With flavor preferences often being a key selling point for vapes, it’s no surprise that counterfeiters are trying to replicate these popular flavors, despite the dangers of mixing nicotine with substances that aren’t regulated.
One of the most concerning aspects of this investigation is the lack of age verification during the purchase of these vapes. LBC reported that when the two products were ordered, there was no system in place to check the buyer’s age, which is a critical oversight, considering the risks involved with underage vaping.
In an interview with LBC, Jane Wragg, Executive Director of ADACT Medical, a UK laboratory that tests vape products, expressed her concerns about the unregulated nature of some online sales. “These products are marketed as nicotine-free, but when we tested them, they contained nicotine. This is not just misleading; it’s dangerous. Especially for younger individuals who might be buying them thinking they’re safe. There’s a serious need for online retailers to ensure they have all the necessary information to sell only legal, safe, and quality products,” Wragg said.
The lack of age checks is particularly problematic because it allows minors to potentially purchase vapes that contain nicotine, which could lead to addiction and other health issues. Currently, in many countries, including the UK and the US, there are regulations requiring age checks for vape purchases, both in stores and online. However, this investigation has once again highlighted the loopholes that exist in online marketplaces.
After the LBC investigation, Amazon took action by removing the two products from their platform, citing the need for further investigation. An Amazon spokesperson told LBC, “We’ve removed these two products from the site and are working with the relevant authorities to look into the matter. Our third-party sellers must comply with all applicable laws and Amazon policies. We take this very seriously and are committed to ensuring that our marketplace is free from illegal or dangerous products.”
While Amazon has removed the questionable products, experts argue that this incident raises larger questions about the effectiveness of Amazon’s vetting process for third-party sellers. As noted by Dan Marchant, a senior executive at the UK-based online vape retailer Vape Club, platforms like Amazon are struggling to keep tabs on third-party sellers and their inventory.
“I think Amazon, like many other online marketplaces, doesn’t have the same level of oversight as physical stores. They need to treat vape products the same way they treat knives or weapons, meaning only sellers using Amazon’s own logistics services should be allowed to sell them. That way, Amazon would be responsible for handling shipping and could implement strict age verification checks at the point of purchase and delivery,” Marchant said.
This issue isn’t just about Lost Mary or Amazon—it’s part of a much bigger problem facing consumers today. With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, it’s easier than ever to buy products without fully understanding their origins or contents. Vapes, in particular, are highly susceptible to fraud due to their popularity and the potential for misuse by minors.
As consumers, we need to be more vigilant about where we’re buying our vapes and from whom. It’s critical to buy from trusted retailers and always check for legitimate certifications and age verification processes. Brands like Lost Mary are trying their best to tackle the counterfeit problem, but the responsibility also lies with us as consumers to ensure we’re not contributing to the problem.
While it’s tempting to click “buy now” on your favorite vape flavors, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. With counterfeit vapes flooding the market and online retailers failing to properly regulate third-party sellers, it’s up to all of us to stay informed and make smarter, safer choices when purchasing vapes online.
The investigation into Lost Mary’s counterfeit vapes has sparked a much-needed conversation about the importance of product authenticity, age verification, and safety in the online marketplace. Until stronger safeguards are put in place, the risk remains that consumers—especially younger ones—will continue to be exposed to products that could harm their health.