FDA Authorizes First Fruit-Flavored E-Cigarettes for Adults

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized four new e-cigarette devices last week, including the first fruit-flavored products approved for sale to adults 21 and older. The devices, made by Glas, include classic menthol, fresh menthol, gold and sapphire pods.

Gold pods are mango flavored and sapphire pods are blueberry flavored. The FDA said on its website that it continues to prioritize the removal of illicit vapes, including those that target minors. The approval of flavored products restricted to adults represents a shift for the agency.

Pediatrician groups and advocacy organizations raised concerns about the potential impact on youth.

The group stated that the decision departs from the FDA's prior recognition that flavors pose significant risks to youth. It added that the move sets a precedent that could result in products reaching young people. "The evidence is clear that flavors in e-cigarettes are a main reason young people start using tobacco products in the first place, and recent survey data show that fruit flavors tend to be among the most popular flavors among youth," the group's president said.

The statement noted that e-cigarettes are highly addictive and that health consequences for young users can be lifelong. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued a similar statement. It said the decision puts at risk progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use and conflicts with scientific evidence and the FDA's own prior conclusions on flavors.

An FDA representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In July, an FDA official told ABC News there was not an approved vaping product in the United States with cutie-fruity flavors. The official added that the agency was concerned about young people who begin vaping and later struggle with addiction. The approval last week marks the first time fruit-flavored e-cigarettes have received marketing authorization for adult sale.

The devices remain restricted to adults 21 and over. Federal law prohibits sales to anyone younger. Advocacy groups have pointed to survey data showing fruit flavors are popular among youth who use e-cigarettes.