THE first ever recall of a mass-marketed vaping product has been actioned after a series of complaints. The RJ Reynolds Vapor Company has recalled all 2.6 million Vuse Vibe power units after 10 customers reported malfunctioning batteries in their units.
The company warns the batteries – or “power units” – in the rechargeable section of the vape pen, may cause the device to overheat and create a fire risk.
There have been no reported injuries caused by the defective devices.
Industry insiders believe it is also a prudent move by RJ Reynolds to stay one step ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s recalls. The Tobacco Act requires companies to notify FDA of any product failures -and faulty batteries would be in their line of site.
“We believe that the issue is confined to a small fraction of all Vuse Vibe products sold, and involve a battery manufactured in 2016 by a contract supplier,” the company said in a statement.
“Until we have concluded our investigation and identified the exact cause of the problem, we have voluntarily taken the action to recall all Vuse Vibe power units in the market, until further notice.”
Reynolds has also issued the following instructions for Vibe owners:
1 STOP using your Vuse Vibe
2 Unscrew the tank from the power unit
3 Do NOT charge your Vuse Vibe power unit
4 Call 1-800-369-8200 to get further instructions
Customers are advised that units are not being replaced by retailers but Reynolds will mail a pre-paid shipping envelope for recalled units. The recall only applies to the Vibe model. The Vuse Solo and Ciro devices use different batteries.
Customers are also being offered refunds and Reynolds has notified the FDA of the recall.
ALI ANDERSON / APRIL 20, 2018 / NEWS & MEDIA/Vaping.com