Tobacco and Youth Targeted Marketing

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Members Waxman, Pallone, and DeGette called on the FDA  to use enforcement authority and take immediate action to protect children from the harms of tobacco.  A finalized regulation from FDA would allow for an assertion of  jurisdiction over various types of tobacco products, like e-cigarettes and cigars. The agency could do this by bringing enforcement cases against manufacturers of such products that are using flavoring or marketing tactics that appeal to children. 

Since passage of the Tobacco Control Act in 2009, which banned the marketing of flavored cigarettes, manufacturers of e-cigarettes and cigars have been targeting children and teenagers with youth-friendly marketing tactics such as flavoring their products cherry crush, grape, and bubble gum.  These tactics are highly effective; as a result, e-cigarettes and flavored cigars are exploding in popularity among youth.

Despite serious concerns about the health effects of the use of e-cigarettes, they are currently completely unregulated. Without advertising restrictions, manufacturers have targeted adolescents using marketing tactics like celebrity endorsements in order to glamorize smoking. Many e-cigarette ads and marketing tactics are reminiscent of the tactics used by the major cigarette manufacturers before these practices were banned. Click the links below to view the presentation and related content.