The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made a significant move by authorizing the first menthol-flavored electronic cigarettes for adult smokers. This decision marks a shift in the government's stance on vaping flavors, suggesting that they could potentially reduce the harms associated with traditional tobacco smoking.
The FDA granted authorization to four menthol e-cigarettes produced by NJOY, a vaping brand now owned by tobacco giant Altria, known for its Marlboro cigarettes. This development underscores the argument put forth by vaping companies that their products can serve as a less harmful alternative to smoking, which is responsible for a staggering 480,000 deaths annually in the United States due to cancer, lung disease, and heart disease.
While this decision may be seen as a win for the vaping industry, it is likely to disappoint parent groups and anti-tobacco advocates who have long been advocating against the availability of flavored e-cigarettes, particularly those appealing to teens. Previously, all e-cigarettes authorized by the FDA were tobacco-flavored, a choice less favored by young vapers.
Altria's data presented to the FDA demonstrated that NJOY e-cigarettes aided smokers in reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. It is important to note that the FDA emphasized that these products are not considered safe or 'FDA approved,' and individuals who do not smoke should refrain from using them.
This decision is part of a broader FDA review aimed at subjecting the multibillion-dollar vaping market to scientific scrutiny after years of regulatory delays. Currently, the U.S. market is flooded with thousands of fruit and candy-flavored vapes that technically violate regulations but have remained unregulated.
The FDA is under pressure to conclude its extensive review of major vaping brands, including popular names like Juul and Vuse, by the end of the month to comply with a court deadline. These brands have been on the market for years, awaiting FDA action on their scientific applications. To remain in the market, companies must demonstrate that their products offer a net health benefit to smokers without unduly attracting young users.
Matthew Farrelly of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products highlighted the rigorous scientific review that led to this decision, emphasizing that the evidence of benefits to adult smokers from transitioning to a less harmful product outweighed the risks associated with youth appeal.
