DALLAS, Sept. 9, 2021 — American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following statement today following the Food and Drug Administration announcement that it will not meet today’s court-ordered deadline for the review of some premarket tobacco applications and substantial equivalence reports for flavored e-cigarettes and cigars.
"The FDA’s announcement that it will delay urgently needed action against tobacco companies that triggered an epidemic of nicotine addiction among youth by selling unauthorized e-cigarettes is deeply disappointing. The FDA’s delay appears to include JUUL, which has targeted our nation’s teens for years and contributed to the epidemic of tobacco use among youth.
"While we are pleased the FDA denied applications for 946,000 flavored e-cigarettes and e-liquids and ordered those products off the market, its inaction appears to leave the products of JUUL and other market leaders on the market still longer. The FDA must act swiftly on the remaining premarket tobacco applications and prevent flavored e-cigarettes and cigars from continuing to threaten public health.
“Today’s deadline stems from a 2018 lawsuit challenging an FDA decision to delay the requirement that manufacturers of new tobacco products demonstrate to the FDA that their products are ‘appropriate for the protection of the public health.’ The FDA had sought to delay the application deadline until August 2022, leaving these products on the market without FDA review and authorization, but a federal court struck down this FDA action. The lawsuit was filed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and its Maryland chapter, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Truth Initiative and five individual pediatricians.”
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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