The recent draft guidance on certain flavors of e-cigarettes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes that electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) with flavors other than tobacco may provide benefits to some adults who smoke. The agency notes that certain e-cigarette flavors—such as coffee, tea, or spices—that are known to be less appealing to youth may be considered appropriate for the protection of public health if they benefit adults who smoke and cannot otherwise quit.
This draft guidance reflects the agency’s prior stance that adults who smoke and switch entirely to reduced-risk products like e-cigarettes can significantly lower their long-term health risks. It also recognizes that every adult who smokes has unique needs and preferences on their journey to quit—and that, in some cases, certain flavors may increase the likelihood that a person will completely switch to less risky nicotine alternatives, thereby improving their health.
Global Action remains committed to protecting youth from using any form of nicotine. We also firmly believe that a robust regulatory framework for all nicotine products is crucial to protecting and improving public health. We applaud the FDA for recognizing the potential public health benefits of a wider range of solutions to help adults move away from cigarettes.
The above can be attributed to Katherine Ellen Foley, Senior Director, Communications at Global Action to End Smoking.