Tobacco vs electronic cigarettes: Has the FDA taken sides?

Recent actions taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appear to be in favor of electronic cigarettes while discouraging the use of tobacco products. This is the sentiment being expressed by advocates on both ends of the spectrum.

In the last year, the FDA embarked on new initiatives to curb the use of tobacco cigarettes. Its main objective is to reduce nicotine levels in traditional cigarettes. Once enforced, this will be the FDA’s first initiative since the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act was passed in 2009. The Act permits the FDA to regulate activities associated with tobacco products and to prohibit the use of artificial or natural flavor apart from tobacco and menthol.

Additionally, FDA commissioner Gottlieb indicated that reviews of vaping products will begin in August 2022. This decision prompted the perception of the FDA’s favorable bias towards the vaping industry. However, the American Vaping Association founder Greg Conley believes this delay will be counter-productive. He feels that it will stymie manufacturer’s ability to be innovative, which will eventually result in a slower decline in the number of traditional smokers.

The FDA’s measures are intended to create less addictive vaping products. However, health advocates believe that there is danger in leaving these products unregulated. They argue that there isn’t sufficient research to determine the effects of e-cigarettes. Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, supports the FDA’s efforts to combat the negative effects of tobacco. However, he feels that the FDA is too lenient in its approach in addressing e-cigarette use. In other words, the FDA’s decisions are simply shifting smokers from one harmful product to another.

Despite the perceived bias, the FDA recently issued warning letters to 13 e-cigarette companies. It also sent letters to 40 companies that sell the Juul brand. Gottlieb stated that the packaging resembles kid-friendly products which are deceitful marketing for minors. In support of their action, the FDA cited thousands of incidents where young kids mistakenly ingested e-liquids. The companies have been given 15 days to respond or face federal action.