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DeLauro Statement on Inadequate FDA E-Cigarette Actions

September 12, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC(September 12, 2018) - Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement of enforcement actions against e-cigarette manufacturers and retailers.

"While I welcome FDA action toward reducing teen smoking and vaping, today's announcement does not go nearly far enough. E-cigarette use amongst teens is at a crisis level—to the point where teachers are catching students vaping in their classrooms. Unfortunately, this trend is no surprise. E-cigarette companies are marketing their products directly to young people. A short list of their flavors make that clear: Skittles, gummy bears, Fruit Loops and cotton candy. The flavor cartridges even arrive in packaging that looks like an ice cream carton or a whip cream container. This behavior is unacceptable."

"The FDA is a regulatory agency, and it should use that power to address this issue at its root cause—the manufacturers. The e-cigarette industry exploded due to a lack of regulatory oversight, and it is now dragging our next generation's health with it. That is why the FDA should work aggressively to end these companies' dangerous marketing practices and take e-cigarette flavors off the market. There is no reason for further delays. Our children's future is on the line."

Earlier this year, DeLauro re-introduced the Stop Tobacco Sales to Youth Act, which would close federal loopholes to keep children safe from tobacco products by requiring that Internet and mail order sales of e-cigarettes are treated the same way as traditional tobacco products. Under federal law, people can buy cigars, hookah, and e-cigarettes online, by mail, or on the phone, without facing any age verification requirements.