New York Says FDA Vape Ban Has Major Flaws; Plans Ban on Disposable Vapes

On February 13, news reports indicated that the U.S. federal government has officially expressed opposition to the e-cigarette epidemic sweeping cities and other regions nationwide. However, New York City officials pointed out that the ban has limitations and stated that New York has its own laws that apply.

On Thursday, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the review of flavored e-cigarettes while reviewing products.

The statement said: Under this policy, companies that do not stop the production, distribution, and sale of unauthorized flavored cartridge e-cigarettes (except tobacco or menthol) within 30 days may face enforcement actions from the FDA.

However, according to the New York Post, the federal ban does not include disposable products, such as Puff Bar, Stig, and Fogg, which are also sold in convenience stores and gas stations nationwide.

Fortunately, New York City can rely on its own laws, which will prohibit the sale of flavored e-cigarette products, including disposables, with city laws set to take effect in July that ban the use of any pods or other components for e-cigarettes.

Mayor de Blasio signed the bill in mid-December, and the city council voted enthusiastically in favor.

Businesses found selling these products will face fines of up to $1,000.

City Councilman Mark Levine (Manhattan), who proposed the bill, stated that the most dangerous aspect is that they have launched every imaginable flavor of fruit, mint, and candy, and unfortunately, all of these have worked, with an estimated 5 million teenagers currently struggling with nicotine addiction.

The only thing to note is that New York City's law will only take effect later in the summer, while the FDA's ban will begin in 30 days. Before the ban was announced earlier this year, Juul had already stopped selling its popular and controversial mint and other flavors in the U.S. Now, the company only sells tobacco and menthol.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar stated: "The U.S. has never seen a substance use epidemic among young people as rapidly as the current e-cigarette epidemic. By prioritizing enforcement actions against the products most widely used by children, our actions today aim to maintain e-cigarettes as a potential access point for adults using combustible tobacco while ensuring these products do not provide increased opportunities for nicotine addiction among our youth."

According to reports, as of the end of January, over 2,700 people across the country have been hospitalized due to e-cigarette-related illnesses.

According to state health department data, approximately 240 people in New York State have received treatment, with 40 from New York City. E-cigarettes have caused 60 deaths in the U.S., including at least four related deaths in New York State. One of the victims was a 17-year-old boy from the Bronx who had been using a THC-containing e-cigarette pod.