FDA authorizes e-cigarette products in the US for the first time
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized e-cigarette products for use in the US for the first time ever.
It cleared Vuse Solo e-cigarette and the accompanying cartridges to be used for refills, allowing their sale by a unit of British American Tobacco Plc (BAT).
However, the agency denied marketing authorization for certain flavored products for failing to demonstrate they would appropriately protect public health.
E-cigarettes vaporize a nicotinelaced liquid, and their use among teenagers has been soaring, with health turers for marketing to young people.
In September, the FDA delayed its decision on whether Juul and other large manufacturers including BAT can sell their products in the United States, as it weighed the public health impact of the products.
Data from a 2021 survey indicated that an estimated 2.06 million US middle and high school students are using e-cigarettes, with Puff Bar, Vuse and Juul among the most popular brands.
Most users said they used flavored products, with fruit, candy and desserts among the most common. The agency said the survey data reinforces its decision to authorize the tobacco-flavored products as they are not as popular among young people.
“The manufacturer’s data demonstrates its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products either completely or with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals,” Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, said in a statement.
Juul and Vuse have only sold tobacco and menthol flavors in the United States for nearly two years.
The FDA on Tuesday also imposed strict digital, radio and television advertising restrictions on the RJ Reynolds Vapor Co’s Vuse Solo brand.
Juul did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.