Warning Letters and Protecting Youth from Dangers of Nicotine and Tobacco Products
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for e-liquids common in e-cigarettes are targets of both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The controversy comes amidst labeling and advertising that resembles kid-friendly food products. Examples include advertising similar to children’s juice boxes, candies, or cookies, some of them with cartoon-like imagery. As part of ongoing efforts to protect youth from the dangers of nicotine and tobacco products, the FTC and FDA jointly issue thirteen warning letters to purveyors of the tobacco products. In a similar action, the companies receiving warning letters also receive citations for illegally selling the products to minors. Thus, the problem surrounding the labeling/advertising.
“Protecting young children from unwarranted health and safety risks is one of our highest priorities,” said Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. “Nicotine is highly toxic, and these letters make clear that marketing methods that put kids at risk of nicotine poisoning are unacceptable.”
