FDA and FTC strike vape companies with warnings about social media influence messages

Federal regulators have sent this week to several vaping companies letters from social media influencers not including the necessary warnings on vape products.

The warning letters – which have been sent to Artist Liquids Laboratories, Humble Juice Co., Hype City Vapors and Solace Technologies – indicate that the positions in question have been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). and does not contain the required warning statement stating that the product contains nicotine and that nicotine is an addictive chemical.

According to the letters, influencer publications in partnership with the respective companies were shared on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, platforms on which some influencers had tens of thousands of followers. In some cases, company letters themselves on social media or their websites have not allowed to communicate the required language of warning.

"Given the high risk of addiction, the fact of not disclosing the presence and risks associated with nicotine raises fears that social media publications will be unfair or likely to mislead consumers," read the letters. . "The FTC urges you to review your marketing, including the endorsements of your social media influencers, and to ensure that the necessary and appropriate information is provided on the health risks associated with nicotine."

Lorenzo De Plano, co-founder of Solace, told Gizmodo, in an e-mail release, that the letter that his company had sent was linked to an influential publication that did not include the necessary warnings, adding that the company was not working with this person anymore.

"All of Solace Vapor's internal packaging, marketing and nicotine warnings comply with FDA standards," said Plano. "Solace Vapor does not tolerate the use of our products by anyone who was previously not a user of tobacco and / or cigarettes. We will review and terminate any third party influencers that may not comply with our marketing policies. We hope all the other companies in our industry will do the same. "

The letters indicated that companies would be required to submit a written response within 15 working days of receipt, outlining their schedule for corrective actions. Spokespersons for Artist Liquids, Humble Juice and Hype City Vapors did not immediately return requests for comment.

The FDA and the FTC said the warning letters were part of the FDA's youth smoking prevention plan, which includes banning children's access to tobacco products, but also includes police advertisements and marketing targeting young people. Juul, the vape giant, has already been criticized for his own marketing, accused of trying to attract teenagers to his products and contributing largely to the widespread use of these products in children. The company has since closed down several of its social media accounts, including Instagram.

"Years of progress in tackling youth tobacco use is now threatened by an epidemic of electronic cigarette use. Unfortunately, research has shown that many young people are mistaken or unaware of the risks and presence of nicotine in electronic cigarettes, "the FDA said ad interim. Commissioner Ned Sharpless said in a statement this week. "That's why it's critical to ensure that manufacturers, retailers, and others include warnings about the addictive properties of nicotine in packaging and advertising, especially on media platforms." social issues popular with children. "