Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FDA Targets Vaping Products That Resemble Juice Boxes, Candy In Latest Nicotine Crackdown
The New York Times: Vaping Products That Look Like Juice Boxes And Candy Are Target Of Crackdown
Federal authorities said on Tuesday they were issuing 13 warning letters to companies that sell vaping products like liquid nicotine in packaging that may appeal to children, including products that resemble juice boxes and candy. The joint action by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission is the latest step by the federal government to crack down on the vaping industry, particularly on devices that are popular with teenagers. (Thomas, 5/1)
The Associated Press: US Warns Liquid Nicotine Packets Resemble Juice Boxes, Candy
The action comes one week after the FDA disclosed a nationwide crackdown on underage sales of Juul e-cigarettes, which have become popular among some teenagers as a way to vape at school and in public. The FDA issued warnings to about 40 gas stations, convenience stores and other retailers for selling the devices to minors. Additionally, the agency asked manufacturer Juul Labs to turn over information about how it markets and designs its products, which resemble computer flash drives and work with nicotine flavors like mango, and "cool cucumber." (Perrone, 5/1)
The Washington Post: Feds Crack Down On E-Liquid Packaging That Looks Like Candy, Juice Boxes
Federal regulators warned more than a dozen manufacturers, distributors and retailers Tuesday that they are endangering children by marketing e-cigarette liquids to resemble kid-friendly products such as juice boxes, candy and whipped cream. The Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission said the packaging of the products — some of which feature cartoonlike images — could mislead children into thinking the liquids, which can be highly toxic if swallowed, are actually things they commonly eat and drink. (McGinley, 5/1)
NPR: FDA And FTC Crack Down On Nicotine Products For Vaping
E-liquids are used in electronic cigarettes, and they often use nicotine which can cause illness — even death — if ingested by a small child. Products targeted have names like Smurf Sauce and V'Nilla Cookies & Milk. These are being deliberately designed in ways that they can be just mistakenly confused by a child," Gottlieb said in the briefing. (Daley, 5/2)
The Hill: FDA, FTC Crack Down On E-Cigarette Liquid Sold In Kid-Friendly Packaging
Nick Warrender — CEO of Lifted Liquids, which received a warning letter — said the company already changed the packaging resembling Warheads candies in November 2017. The product was taken off shelves, he said, and the logo was changed to resemble a bearded man vaping. He said he was surprised to receive the letter since the changes were made six months ago. (Roubein, 5/1)
