FDA and Justice Department launch joint task force to combat unlawful distribution of e-cigarettes
A US Government task force is being formed this week to combat the illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes. The task force will be made up of members from agencies such as the US Marshals Service, US Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Acting Associate Attorney General, Benjamin Mizer, of the Justice Department stated in a news release that unauthorized e-cigarettes threaten American health, especially children and young people. "This interagency Task Force is dedicated to protecting Americans by clamping down on the unlawful sale and distribution of these products," said Mizer. "This initiative demonstrates that enforcing tobacco laws is a priority across the government."
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted authorization to sell 23 specific tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products and devices, there are numerous unauthorized e-cigarettes on the market. Some of these unauthorized products are particularly appealing to minors.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 10 young adults in the United States regularly use e-cigarettes. A recent study revealed that approximately 2.1 million youth reported current e-cigarette usage.
Under current rules, new tobacco products require approval from the FDA before they can be sold. Existing e-cigarette products have been permitted to remain on the market, but manufacturers have been asked to submit applications to maintain their presence.
The federal task force is set to address various issues, including prosecuting violations that can lead to criminal convictions, fines, civil penalties, and seizures of unauthorized products.
Speaking in a news release, Dr. Brian King, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, said the answer to this complex enforcement issue necessitated a multi-pronged response. "This 'All Government' approach, including the creation of this new Task Force, will pool the federal government's resources and expertise to tackle this critical public health problem."
Since the FDA has issued 1,100 warning letters to various distributors, manufacturers, importers, and retailers for distributing unauthorized tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, the agency has taken action. In December, the FDA announced seizing about 1.4 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products.
The US Marshals Service Asset Forfeiture Division will also work with the task force partners to seize unauthorized e-cigarettes from domestic distributors.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, expressed support for the new federal task force, "For too long, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers have flouted the law and public health. The Lung Association has long called for amplified law enforcement measures to be taken against those who sell illegal tobacco products to protect the public's health, particularly children's health. The Lung Association applauds the DOJ, FDA, and other agencies involved in this task force. Ongoing and cohesive enforcement is crucial to remove illegal and addictive tobacco products from the market."
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The Acting Associate Attorney General, Benjamin Mizer, highlighted that unauthorized e-cigarettes pose a threat to American health, particularly children and young people. The US Marshals Service Asset Forfeiture Division will collaborate with the task force partners to seize unauthorized e-cigarettes from domestic distributors.
