TOBACCO CONTROL
| FDA Center for Tobacco Control Issues Warning Letters to Sellers of Illegal E-Cig Products That Appeal to Children This week, the FDA Center for Tobacco Products issued warning letters to 15 internet sellers of e-cigarette products clearly marketed to kids. The products referenced in the FDA warning letters included e-cigarettes that looked like cartoon figures SpongeBob SquarePants and Super Mario Bros. While other e-cigarettes were disguised as highlighters, cameras, and Starbucks coffees cups. Companies receiving these warning letters have 15 days to respond to the FDA to either challenge the findings or describe actions steps the company will be taking to comply with FDA regulations of e-cigarette products. Companies failing to response or provide inadequate response may face further legal action. |
In issuing the warning letters, Brian King PhD, MPH, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products stated, “The design of these products is a shamelessly egregious attempt to target kids. It’s a tough sell that adults using e-cigarettes to transition away from cigarettes need them to look like SpongeBob in order to do so successfully.”
Last Reviewed: September 2023
