Fighting Youth E-Cig Use

Over the last several years, we have seen countless stories about increasing e-cig use, the risks and the possible side effects. And health officials continue working to keep up with the trend.

In the fall of 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its plan to finalize a policy to better regulate non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products.

The FDA's policy included focusing on the authorization process for non-tobacco-flavored e-cig products to enter the market. Under the new plan, unauthorized, non-tobacco-flavored e-cig products would be cleared from the market. Furthermore, for products to be on the market, companies would have to submit a formal application and be approved by the FDA.

This policy was in response to the "epidemic" of e-cig use in US children and adolescents.

The new policy would focus on non-tobacco-flavored e-cig products because non-tobacco flavors may be more appealing to children and teens. Youth e-cig users have cited the use of popular fruit, menthol and mint flavors.

The FDA said it continues to take steps to remove flavored disposable e-cigarettes and youth-appealing e-liquids if they do not have the required pre-market authorizations.

“We are concerned about the popularity of these products among youth and want to make clear to all tobacco product manufacturers and retailers that, even during the ongoing pandemic, the FDA is keeping a close watch on the marketplace and will hold companies accountable," said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn in a press release.

Recently, the FDA has issued warning letters to the following 10 companies:

• Cool Clouds Distribution Inc. (doing business as Puff Bar)
• HQD Tech USA LLC
• Myle Vape Inc.
• Eleaf USA
• Vape Deal LLC
• Majestic Vapor LLC
• E Cigarette Empire LLC
• Ohm City Vapes Inc.
• Breazy Inc.
• Hina Singh Enterprises (doing business as Just Eliquids Distro Inc.)

Some of these companies are under fire for marketing unauthorized e-liquids that appeal to youth because of their packaging. These products are designed to look similar to Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, Twinkies, and Cherry Coke and often feature cartoon characters. Other companies are under fire for selling or distributing unauthorized tobacco products.