Johnson Statement on Food and Drug Administration E-Cigarette Flavor Restrictions

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said this on Thursday after FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb proposed actions to restrict the sale of flavored e-cigarette products:

“No one wants minors to use tobacco products or become addicted to any substance, including nicotine, but I am concerned the FDA’s proposed actions could limit adult Americans’ access to e-cigarette products that help them quit a more dangerous habit. I am also concerned about regulatory overreach regarding a product that Public Health England has concluded is 95 percent safer than smoking.”

 

Background

  • Chairman Johnson’s letters to former FDA Commissioner Califf on the expansion of the FDA’s authority over e-cigarettes:
    • May 17, 2016: Johnson’s initial request letter can be found here.
    • June 6, 2016: Johnson’s follow up letter can be found here.
    • July 15, 2016: Johnson’s letter reiterating his request can be found here.
    • Nov. 21, 2016: Johnson’s letter urging the FDA to cease implementation of the deeming regulation can be found here.
  • Dec. 12, 2016: Chairman Johnson and Representative Hunter’s letter to then Vice President-elect Pence on the FDA’s deeming regulation can be found here.
  • Feb. 21, 2017: Chairman Johnson’s letter to former HHS Secretary Price on the FDA’s deeming regulation can be found here.
  • May 18, 2017: Chairman Johnson’s letter to Commissioner Gottlieb urging repeal of the FDA’s e-cigarette rule can be found here.

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