FDA shakeup appears to reward Big Tobacco in loosening vape regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a policy shift that will use "enforcement discretion" to allow the sale of unauthorized vaping products and nicotine pouches if manufacturers meet certain standards. This change, announced days before FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned, circumvents typical public comment periods and has raised significant concerns about public health and the influence of the tobacco industry. Three current and former Trump administration officials revealed that the policy was driven by aggressive lobbying from tobacco executives, including a meeting earlier this month where they argued the previous policy allowed a vast illegal market. The new guidance is expected to benefit around 100 to 200 products immediately, with approximately 1,000 applications already in the scientific review stage. Critics argue that the policy puts children at risk by allowing the legal sale of more flavored vapes, which can be enticing to them. However, supporters, including White House officials, maintain that the policy is based on "Gold Standard Science" and aims to provide adult smokers with alternatives. The shift is seen as a major win for tobacco companies, with analysts predicting increased sales for brands like Philip Morris International's Zyn and Reynolds American's Vuse. Former FDA officials have warned that the policy could lead to the sale of untested products that may contain harmful chemicals.

(Source：Postandcourier)