Nicotine-rich e-cigarettes commonly clothed in pastel brights with perky flavors have reached epidemic use among kids, a federal agency said in levying industry penalties to limit youth access.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters and fines to more than 1,300 retailers "who illegally sold JUUL and other e-cigarette products to minors" in a nationwide, undercover investigation of brick-and-mortar stores this summer, the FDA said in a Sept. 12 press release.
"We see clear signs that youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion, and we must adjust certain aspects of our comprehensive strategy to stem this clear and present danger," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said at agency headquarters. "I believe certain flavors are one of the principal drivers of the youth appeal of these products."...