Despite the ban, many flavored vaping products are marketed in the United States

While the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recently rejected marketing applications for more than a million flavored e-cigarettes, a survey conducted in the United States by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) shows that many of these products are still massively offered for sale. For the NGO, it is essential that the FDA take measures to protect the younger generations from nicotine addiction.

First FDA warning to enforce ban

In August 2021, The FDA had announced a marketing ban of a large number of vaping products and flavored e-cigarettes, claiming they pose a health threat to American teens. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sales of flavored e-cigarettes increased by nearly $3,00% between November 2016 and August 2019. As of October 2021, while many products were still available, The FDA had sent a warning letter to about thirty manufacturers, accused of marketing products illegally.

Products for younger generations on sale over the counter despite ban

CTFK conducted a survey of the five major online e-cigarette retailers, as well as 43 physical stores in eight cities across the United States. According to the NGO, e-cigarettes and flavored liquids intended for minors are still widely available for sale. In particular, the most popular e-cigarette brands among younger generations are still sold over the counter, completely illegally. CTFK also points out that disposable e-cigarettes, mainly consumed by adolescents, are still sold online and in physical stores, like the Puff Bar, with flavors specifically aimed at young people, such as strawberry banana flavor.[1].

CTFK calls for ensuring the effectiveness of the public health measure

In light of this observation, CTFK calls on the FDA to refuse to market all flavored e-cigarettes, including menthol ones, which were initially not affected by the FDA's decision. The NGO also stresses the need to take coercive measures to prevent the illegal marketing of these products, and to establish monitoring tools to ensure the effectiveness of the ban. According to CTFK, the FDA should also refuse to market all electronic products with high levels of nicotine, exposing younger generations to a high risk of addiction. Finally, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids stresses the importance of countering manufacturers' strategies to circumvent regulations.

FT

[1] Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), An e-cigarette market update. Flavored products remain widely available three months after court-ordered deadline for FDA to rule on marketing applications, 12/2021, (accessed 20/12/2021)