Hazardous substances capable of causing lung damage have been detected in "nasal inhalation energy bars" that have become popular among Korean teenagers, who claim the products help fight drowsiness and improve concentration. The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) has issued a consumer safety alert for the products.
All of the nasal inhalation energy bars found to be problematic were made in China. Despite containing ingredients similar to those used in cosmetics and household chemical products, the items are being sold as general industrial goods or household appliances, meaning they are not subject to safety standards such as limits on harmful substance content.
◇ Lung-Damaging Substance Detected... Nasal Inhalation Products in 'Regulatory Blind Spot'
According to the KCA on June 26, an investigation of 10 nasal inhalation energy bar products on the market found that vitamin E acetate was detected in the "CAUSONE Cozone Double Hole Energy Bar VER.2" made by WiseWay.
Vitamin E acetate is a substance that can cause lung damage when inhaled. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has recommended that it not be added to liquid-type e-cigarettes.
Labeling of allergy-causing ingredients was also inadequate. Under relevant regulations, products must clearly label linalool and limonene when their content exceeds 0.001%. However, six of the 10 products investigated failed to comply. The companies involved were Dreaming, Dehayoung, Alltemcart, WiseWay, Top Trading and Healing Plus.
All 10 products investigated were found to be misleading consumers by emphasizing medical benefits such as "nasal congestion relief" without objective evidence, or using phrases like "drowsiness prevention" and "concentration enhancement." Most products also omitted mandatory labeling information including intended use and ingredients, or failed to include usage precautions.
