FDA's authorization of 2 fruit-flavored vapes raises concerns among pediatricians, advocacy groups
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent authorization of the first fruit-flavored e-cigarettes approved for sale to adults 21 and over in the U.S. is raising concerns from pediatrician groups and advocacy organizations about the potential impact on minors.
Last week, the FDA approved four new devices made by Glas, including classic menthol, fresh menthol, gold, and sapphire pods. "Gold" is mango flavored and "sapphire" is blueberry flavored.
While the FDA said on its website last week that it continues to prioritize the removal of illicit vapes -- including those that target minors -- the approval of a flavored vape that, like all vapes, is restricted to adults, represents a significant shift for the agency.
FDA Administrator Marty Makary told ABC News' Linsey Davis in July, "There is not an approved vaping product in the United States that has one of these cutie-fruity flavors."
"What we're concerned about is kids who are starting vaping from scratch," he added. "I personally have met kids who know they're addicted, they don't want to be addicted, and they can't stop this addiction path that they're on."
After the FDA's announcement last week, the leading pediatrician group in the nation called on federal officials to reconsider.
"This authorization is a departure from FDA's longstanding recognition in its review of these products that flavors pose significant risks to youth, setting a concerning precedent and leaving pediatricians deeply alarmed that these products will end up in the hands of young people," said American Academy of Pediatrics President Dr. Andrew Racine.
"The evidence is clear that flavors in e-cigarettes are a main reason young people start using tobacco products in the first place, and recent survey data show that fruit flavors tend to be among the most popular flavors among youth," Dr. Racine said. "E-cigarettes are highly addictive, and for young people who start using them, the health consequences can be lifelong."
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued a similar statement, saying the decision "puts at risk the progress our nation has made in reducing youth e-cigarette use."
"It conflicts with overwhelming scientific evidence and the FDA's own repeated conclusions that flavors pose a substantial risk to young people," said Yolonda C. Richardson, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
"It is deeply disappointing that the FDA has caved to political pressure rather than relying on existing science and protecting kids," Richardson added.
An FDA spokesperson, in a statement, said, "The FDA is working to increase options for current smokers, including flavored vaping products, for adults and adults only."
