Amid surging teen nicotine addiction, the Food and Drug Administration is prioritizing enforcement actions against illegally marketed e-cigarettes that public health experts say are hooking kids.
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf recently told Congress that collaborative efforts across government are needed to curb rampant youth vaping. This call to action follows the FDA’s release of strict guidelines to rein in flavored disposable e-cigarettes illegally sold in candy-like flavors that appeal to adolescents.
China Exporting Highly Addictive Illegal Vapes
Much of the U.S. youth vaping epidemic is fueled by Chinese manufacturers exporting disposable e-cigarettes with sweet flavors like cotton candy that lure teens, according to the FDA. These illegal vapes not only contain highly addictive nicotine but in some cases are being contaminated with fentanyl.
This issue has seriously impacted Georgia where two pre-teens nearly died from fentanyl poisoning linked to illegal vapes. Georgia schools are responding by installing vape sensors while federal legislation aims to give the FDA more enforcement power.
“Thanks to China, America’s youth vaping crisis has gotten out of hand,” said FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director Brian King. “Flavored disposables with nicotine levels up to three times higher than a pack of cigarettes have created a new generation suffering from addiction.”
FDA Crackdown Targets Manufacturers and Retailers
Heeding calls from public health groups, the FDA recently sent warning letters to producers and sellers of unauthorized electronic cigarettes and turned up the heat on imports.
These actions indicate increased scrutiny and enforcement against illegally marketed tobacco products to prevent youth access. Further measures may include fines, product seizures, injunctions and criminal prosecutions.
“The FDA under Dr. Califf’s leadership has made it a top priority to address the troubling rise in youth vaping,” said Chris Kerley of the American Cancer Society. “Strict enforcement of flavor bans and marketing restrictions are long overdue to combat this epidemic.”
While states are also combatting illegal vape sales, the FDA wields the power to stop unsafe products at the source. If supply can be severed through partnering with Customs, the youth vaping crisis may finally ease.
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