FDA warns web retailers not to market flavored cigarettes

The FDA formally banned the sale of candy or fruit-flavored cigarettes on Sept. 22, 2009.

The agency sent letters to 12 companies charged with selling illegal flavored cigarettes on their websites. It cautioned them to stop marketing the products and to describe in writing what steps they were taking to remain in compliance with the ban.

The federal health authorities warned the companies in the U.S. and abroad to respond to the warning within 15 working days.

Failure to pay heed to the notification could result in injunction. They also conveyed foreign retailers that flavored cigarettes could be seized if they arrive in the U.S.

Dr. Lawrence R. Deyton, Director of FDA’s Centre for Tobacco Products said, "FDA takes the enforcement of this flavored cigarette ban seriously.

"These actions should send a clear message to those who continue to break the law that FDA will take necessary actions to protect our children from initiating tobacco use.

Aim of the ban
The ban applies to cigarettes that contain certain fruit or candy flavors, which appeal to the youth. Research reveals that the so-called “light” cigarettes have just as much tar and nicotine as regular cigarettes.

The FDA cannot legally impose a complete ban on cigarettes but it can regulate the contents of tobacco products and keep a check on how it is marketed especially products that are targeted for the youth.

The aim of the regulators in sending the letters is to try and keep smoking initiation levels down to a minimum. According to research statistics, teenagers are three times more likely to smoke flavored cigarettes than those who are 25 years or older.

Studies have indicted that nearly 90 percent smokers adapt the habit during their teen years. According to the health regulators the removal of the products from the market will prevent as many as 3,600 youngsters from lighting up.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of disease and death globally.