Ensuring the microbiological safety of a product is of vital importance, this is no exception when it comes to vape products too. The presence of microorganisms in non-sterile products can affect the flavour and smell, and could also have detrimental effects on the consumer’s health. The European pharmacopoeia outlines the specifications, criteria and methods used for the microbial examination of non-sterile products for inhalation. There are specific groups of consumers who may be more at risk from microbial contamination of products, such as those suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Recent studies have shown that some vape products may contain bacterial endotoxins and glucans (a fungal cell wall component). The presence of these microbial toxins in vape products has been suggested as a potential cause of vaping-induced health problems. Microbial toxins have long been associated with lung inflammation and lung injuries; therefore, the utmost care must be taken to ensure a product is safe and free from harmful contaminants. The microbiological assessment of a product is key to ensuring its safety.

Generally, microbial testing involves the growth and recovery of microbes from the product. This is used to predict the potential risk a product might have on a consumer and includes:

In addition to tests for the following specified microorganisms:

This testing is referred to as a microbial limits test, as products are said to be acceptable if the microbial content is below a specified limit. The microbial limits test is a valuable tool in ensuring a product’s safety. Before this testing takes place, a method suitability test must be performed. This is done to ensure that any ingredients in the product with antimicrobial properties can be sufficiently neutralised to accurately recover any microorganisms present.

Evaluating the water activity of a product can also be undertaken as part of a wider microbiological risk assessment. This can be used to find the type and frequency of testing needed for a particular product.

Water activity refers to the amount of available water within a product. Low water activity prevents the reproduction of microorganisms. The specified organisms listed above, will not reproduce at a water activity below 0.86. A water activity of 0.60 and under will prevent the growth of almost all bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Product water activity as well as other attributes such as pH can help to predict the future stability of the product.

Inter Scientific has developed a range of in-house, fully validated tests designed to decide a product’s microbial risk. We offer microbiological testing to aid vape companies in ensuring product safety. For more information on microbial testing for vape products, please contact us at:  info@inter-scientific.com

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