The U.S. Drug Administration announced on Thursday that the three companies’ e-cigarette products have not yet been approved by the health authorities to be marketed in the United States. This is the first in a series of decisions to change the industry.
These products have failed to prove that the benefits to adults (including helping them to quit smoking) outweigh the risks to young people. In fact, for the latter, e-cigarettes can instead represent a way to smoke.
The affected products are those of JD Nova Group LLC, Great American Vapes and Vapor Salon Group. They include e-cigarettes with flavors of “Cola”, “Cracked Apple” or “Cinnamon Cereal”.
If they are already on the market, these products will have to be withdrawn from the market, the U.S. Drug Administration (FDA) notified in a press release.
The latter is responsible for reviewing them to ensure that they are good for public health.
“Congress gave the FDA the power to regulate tobacco products to protect the public from the harmful effects of tobacco use through science-based regulations,” the FDA acting chief recalled. Janet Woodcock cited in the press release.
“We know that flavored tobacco products are very attractive to young people, so assessing their potential or actual impact on young people’s use is a key factor in deciding which products can be sold,” she said.
Market leader Juul is not affected by the first decision. “The requirements for the remaining products are still under study,” the FDA said.
More than 500 companies have applied. The deadline for doing so is September 9.
“The agency is committed to transitioning to the market, and all the electronic nicotine delivery systems (SEAN) available for sale have proven suitable for protecting public health,” the FDA assured in its press release.