NY attorney general calls FDA to regulate e-cigarettes, oral nicotine products

NEW YORK, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York Attorney General Letitia James along with a bipartisan coalition, called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Thursday to stop the rise of youth nicotine addictions by putting forth restrictions on tobacco products.

The coalition, made up of 31 states and territories, is asking the FDA to use its regulatory power to get rid of flavors in e-cigarette and oral nicotine that it says appeals to youths. These products would include pouches, gum and lozenges.

The coalition is also pushing for the FDA to limit the nicotine levels and restrict marketing for these kinds of products.

“Flavored nicotine products attract kids to dangerous, habit-forming products that only jeopardize their health,” Attorney General James said. “New York has taken important steps to protect our kids by banning non-tobacco flavored vapor products and limiting the sale of e-cigarettes, but the FDA must also do its part to curb the youth nicotine epidemic. The health and wellbeing of our kids is our top priority and the federal government must act now.”

The FDA is expected to decide whether e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products should be allowed to stay on the market starting on Sept. 9.

The coalition is asking the FDA to reject all PMTAs for products that have high levels of nicotine, and products containing menthol or other flavors.

To read the full letter that was sent from the coalition to the FDA, click here.