AAP Statement on FDA Authorization of Fruit-Flavored E-Cigarettes

By: Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, president, American Academy of Pediatrics

“The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) first authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes is a major setback, threatening to reverse recent progress in protecting youth from these dangerous products. 

“The evidence is clear that flavors in e-cigarettes are a main reason young people start using tobacco products in the first place, and recent survey data show that fruit flavors tend to be among the most popular flavors among youth. E-cigarettes are highly addictive, and for young people who start using them, the health consequences can be lifelong. This authorization is a departure from FDA’s longstanding recognition in its review of these products that flavors pose significant risks to youth, setting a concerning precedent and leaving pediatricians deeply alarmed that these products will end up in the hands of young people. 

“The FDA must prioritize the health and well-being of children and teens and reconsider this decision to protect future generations from nicotine addiction.” 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.