Move to curb kid access to flavored e-cigs

The feds took a step to taking the flavor out of e-cigarettes for kids Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration announced policy changes it expects will lead to the banning of flavored cigars and certain flavored ecigs, as well as restricting the sale of other flavored-tobacco products to places where children are not permitted.

In a 20-page guidance document released Wednesday, the federal agency outlined what it described as “nonbinding recommendations” and its “priorities for use of enforcement.” Those priorities include getting flavored ecigarettes and any e-cigs that are marketed to minors off store shelves.

The release of the policy guidelines come just three days after Sen. Chuck Schumer called on FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to crack down on the sale of flavored e-cigs (above).

“I recently brought New York teens struggling with their e-cig addiction to sit with Dr. Gottlieb,” Schumer said Wednesday.

“While more must be achieved to end this dangerous youth trend, today’s advancements are a good step in snuffing out the kid-friendly flavors that have fueled the spiking nicotine addiction amongst America’s youth.”

Juul, one of the top manufacturers of e-cigarettes — and one that is wildly popular with kids — said Wednesday that it is “committed to reducing youth usage.”

“We support categorywide action including the responsible, restricted sale of flavored products and will review today’s draft guidance as we continue to work with FDA, state attorneys general, local municipalities, and community organizations as a transparent and responsible partner in combating underage use,” a statement posted to the company’s website said.