Balancing Act Fda Announces Ban Vape Flavors
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is going ahead with a ban on fruit and mint flavored vaping products, USA Today reports. The ban which was announced on Thursday, January 2, 2020, will go into effect within 30 days.
Balancing Act for FDA
Alex Azar who is the Secretary for the U.S. Health and Human Services were quoted in the article as saying the ban tries to “strike the right public health balance” between taking away popular flavors used by teenagers, while also keeping flavors such as menthol and tobacco around for those who use vaping as an alternative to regular cigarette smoking.
Not Far Enough
Many anti-tobacco and public health groups are coming out against the ban saying that it does not go far enough to curb children’s access to vape products. This action by the FDA is more limited than what it was previously considering back in September of 2019.
In response to the backlash, Azar commented saying that after analyzing data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s report on future trends, youth were primarily vaping fruit and mint flavors with a smaller percentage preferring menthol.
Marketing Crackdown
The FDA is also going after companies who market their products to children. A federal court order is now in place that requires vaping companies to submit an application by May 12, 2020, in order to continue to be able to advertise. Those who miss the deadline can face enforcement by the FDA.
Injured by a Vape Product?
If you or someone you know has been injured through the use of a JUUL vape pod or other vaping product, contact our Denver injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
