# Unclear whether handling of meningitis outbreak was delayed – expert

By Jamie Strachan — 2026-03-17

Jamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ | The Vaping Specialist, said: “The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.

“In light of the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent, we have taken the precautionary decision to temporarily remove all in-store tester bars across our Kent stores and surrounding areas.

“While there is no direct evidence linking our stores to any cases, we believe this is a responsible step to minimise any potential risk associated with shared contact surfaces.

“We continue to closely monitor guidance from public health authorities and will review this measure as more information becomes available.

“We remain committed to providing a safe retail environment and appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our customers during this time.”

Canonical: https://experts.pressassociation.com/expert/74/views/7e74594c4c9d9fc5