U.S. Regulators Warn E-Cig Companies for Using Packaging that Lures Youth
U.S. Regulators Warn E-Cig Companies for Using Packaging that Lures Youth
Our defective product attorneys have been talking for quite some time about e-cigarette manufacturers luring children with colorful packaging and flavors that might attract them. Finally, it looks like the federal authorities are paying attention. Last week, U.S regulators issued warnings to 13 companies selling e-cigarette liquids for using child-friendly images in their packaging, which resembles juice boxes, candy or cookies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued the warnings about a recent increase in the number of reports to poison control centers.
Misleading Packaging Could Harm Kids
The FDA’s commissioner issued a statement saying no tobacco products should be marketed in a way that puts kids in danger, “especially by using imagery that misleads them into thinking the products are things they would eat or drink.” The FDA has made several moves in the past few months including setting maximum nicotine levels for tobacco products.
With regard to marketing to young children, the FDA cited examples including “One Mad Hit Juice Box,” which resembles children’s apple juice boxes and “Twirly Pop,” which not only resembles a Unicorn Pop lollipop, but comes with one. Six of the letters sent to manufacturers were for dual violations where the products were illegally sold to minors online, and packaged inappropriately. Regulators say even a very small amount of these e-liquids, in some cases, less than half a teaspoon, could have a fatal effect on a child. It takes an even less than that to make children sick.
The Danger of E-Cigarettes
There are studies coming out often these days, which demonstrate the adverse health effects of e-cigarettes. Many of these companies, however, market these products as “safer than” regular cigarettes. Most companies are worst offenders when it comes to luring children with not just colorful packaging, but also flavors such as bubble gum, cherry and cotton candy. Their marketing moves show that they are doing this deliberately – to sell to minors.
We hope federal authorities will continue to crack down on these companies are operating unethically and illegally in an attempt to maximize profits and score future customers for their dangerous products. If you have been sickened by e-cigarettes or if you have been injured by an exploding e-cigarette or e-cig battery, please contact an experienced product defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
