Juul stops sales of its flavored pods in Canada

Juul is stopping production of its fruity nicotine flavors in Canada. Mango, cucumber, fruit and vanilla flavors will no longer be available. The company had already stopped selling its flavors in the United States in November, excluding menthol, Virginia tobacco and regular tobacco, following a backlash over a surge in teen use.

The announcement is part of a plan to improve the brand's image among decision-makers. The company is accused of targeting young people through aggressive social media marketing, the use of influencers and the promotion of attractive flavors (fruity or dessert flavors) by the latter.

The move comes as Juul faces litigation, revelations that its marketing practices appeal to young people and health authorities have taken tough action. Earlier this month, the Food and Drug Administration banned most fruit- and mint-flavored nicotine vaping products in an effort to curb a surge in teen use.

Canada, like the United States, is increasingly concerned about the health risks of vaping products for young people who have become addicted to them. These products, marketed as devices to help adult smokers quit smoking, are leading to adolescents in those countries becoming massively addicted to nicotine. Public health experts have long supported banning the flavours that appeal most to young people, and they have warned that menthol should be included in the flavour ban.

THE United States has taken additional measuress to combat the vaping epidemic, including by banning the sale of these products and tobacco products to those under 21 and no longer just those under 18.