While granting e-cigarette makers a reprieve from some regulations, Dr. Gottlieb said, the F.D.A. will redouble its efforts to protect children from products that contain nicotine, including e-cigarettes, and will pursue regulations of flavored tobacco products designed to appeal to them. E-cigarettes come in many fruit and alcohol flavorings to appeal to “vapers” of all ages, with names like Tutti Frutti and Cupcake.
Public health advocates were cautiously optimistic. Matthew L. Myers, the president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called Dr. Gottlieb’s agenda a “bold and comprehensive vision, with the potential to accelerate progress in reducing tobacco use and the death and disease it causes.’’
At the same time, Mr. Myers criticized the delay given to e-cigarette and cigar companies for complying with previously released rules. In a statement released Friday afternoon, Mr. Myers added, “This long delay will allow egregious, kid-friendly e-cigarettes and cigars, in flavors like gummy bear, cherry crush and banana smash, to stay on the market with little public health oversight. There is no reason to allow these products to stay on the market while developing and implementing the strategy Dr. Gottlieb outlined today.”
Dr. Gottlieb said he was prepared for criticism from people in the public health field. He said the F.D.A. needed time to develop solid regulations, rather than just guidance, on how the agency would use its oversight to regulate tobacco and e-cigarette products.
