‘What the hell are you waiting for?' Senators grill FDA, DOJ about lack of action on youth vaping epidemic

Republicans and Democrats on the US Senate Judiciary Committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Justice for their perceived inaction on the issue of youth vaping. The FDA had been ruled to be in violation of the Tobacco Control Act for allowing e-cigarette products that lacked FDA pre-authorization to remain on the market. Despite testifying that the matter was a priority, the FDA missed the September 2021 deadline set by the court for reviewing e-cigarette makers’ applications. Meanwhile, a study showed that an estimated 2.1 million children regularly used e-cigarettes, with flavored products being the most popular. Members of the committee criticized the FDA for not taking more decisive action on unauthorized e-cigarettes flooding the market. The issue of flavored tobacco products aimed at children was also highlighted, with senators calling for stronger enforcement measures to combat the sale and distribution of illegal e-cigarettes.