US House lawmakers are pushing for action against the surge of kid-appealing electronic cigarettes, primarily imported from China. This move focuses on popular brands like Elf Bar, known for their fruity flavors.
The Escalating Issue
- Rising Influx: Lawmakers are concerned about the significant increase in illicit vaping products entering the US, with many being disposable e-cigarettes from China featuring flavors like watermelon and gummy bear.
- Legal Non-Compliance: These products often bypass the FDA’s requirement for authorization, despite the agency’s declaration of their illegality.
Government Response
- FDA’s Stance: The FDA has limited its authorization to a small number of tobacco-flavored vapes for adult smokers.
- Customs Enforcement: In May, the FDA urged customs officials to block imports of Elf Bar, a leading brand among teenagers, due to its appeal to minors and potential health risks.
- Evasive Tactics: Reports indicate that companies like Elf Bar are circumventing bans by renaming their products, which remain accessible in stores.
Congressional Action
- Bipartisan Concerns: A new congressional committee on US-China relations, including members like Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher and Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, is spearheading the initiative.
- Urgent Requests: Lawmakers are demanding information from the Justice Department and FDA on their measures to curb this issue, emphasizing the need for rapid and effective action.
Background Context
- US-China Tensions: This inquiry aligns with the committee’s broader goal of addressing Chinese policies potentially harmful to the US economy, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
- Teen Vaping Statistics: Recent surveys show a decline in teen e-cigarette use, but over 2.1 million students continue to vape, with Elf Bar being the most popular brand.
Expected Outcomes
- Collaborative Efforts: The FDA is urged to collaborate more with other federal agencies to remove unauthorized e-cigarettes from the market.
- Resource and Expertise Assessment: Lawmakers are questioning whether the Justice Department’s consumer protection branch has the necessary resources and expertise to litigate vapor-related cases referred by the FDA.
Next Steps
Lawmakers have set a deadline of January 15 for responses to their inquiries, aiming to gain a clearer understanding of the situation and the steps being taken to address it.
For more detailed information, refer to the Associated Press report.