Health Inspector Discovers Illegal Menthol-Flavored Sheets at R-Kiosk in Lappeenranta

A little over a week ago, the health inspector of Lappeenranta conducted an unannounced inspection at a local R-kiosk. The inspector discovered menthol-flavored small sheets packaged in green wrappers being sold near the checkout. Upon the inspector’s request, the kiosk removed these products from sale.

Jatta Pätäri, the health inspector from the Lappeenranta environmental office, stated, “The kiosk has rectified the issue and removed the products from sale.” The sheets are known as flavor cards, which some individuals may use to flavor tobacco.

Four years ago, changes in tobacco legislation prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco products. Consequently, various products emerged that allow individuals to flavor tobacco themselves, though according to their manufacturers, these items are not explicitly intended for tobacco flavoring.

Enforcement of tobacco and nicotine product regulations falls under local health authorities. According to Jatta Pätäri, the prohibition on menthol-flavored sheets is rooted in law, which states that “a product must not be sold or otherwise provided to consumers if its purpose is to create a characteristic smell or taste associated with tobacco products.” Health inspectors adhere to an interpretation of the law provided by Valvira, Finland’s supervisory authority for health and welfare, which deems menthol flavor cards as legally questionable.

Interestingly, while these menthol flavor cards were removed from one kiosk, they remain available at other R-kiosks in region, including a different location in Joensuu. When questioned about this, R-kioski’s communications stated that they do not sell these products and have removed menthol-flavored sheets from their selection. However, they continued to carry flavor cards that list menthol as an ingredient.

Health inspectors have visited grocery stores as well, but no menthol-flavored cards were found there. The manufacturer of the cards has previously indicated that they are intended for flavoring dry goods and liquids, leaving the end use to consumers. As menthol-flavored sheets entered the market coinciding with a ban on menthol cigarettes, they can be justifiably classified as violating the tobacco law, according to Pätäri.

Currently, there is no special enforcement action targeting menthol-flavored sheets in Lappeenranta. Typically, an order to rectify the situation will suffice, but failure to comply can lead to the revocation of retail licenses for tobacco sales, and may eventually result in fines.