Rep. Kelly condemns FDA approval of flavored e-cigarettes

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust, condemned the Food and Drug Administration's decision to authorize the sale of mango and blueberry flavored Glas e-cigarettes.

"Just days after President Trump complained that flavored e-cigarettes were not approved by the FDA, Commissioner Marty Makary caved. In one sweeping cowardly decision, the FDA sided with the President over the health of Americans, especially Black children. For decades, Black Americans have been targeted by tobacco companies, causing higher rates of heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. We are now seeing history repeat itself as companies like Glas and Juul target our youth with their more appealing-but just as addicting and deadly-flavored e-cigarettes. I refuse to see Black children taken advantage of by vape companies, and I remain committed to protecting the health of the Black community."

The FDA previously abandoned its plans to ban menthol cigarettes just two years after the agency proposed a rule to remove the harmful product from the market. Rep. Kelly led the majority of the CBC in a letter in support of the rule, expressing her concern of the disproportionate use of menthol cigarettes amongst Black Americans. In 2019, 85% of Black smokers used menthol cigarettes compared to just 30% of white smokers. Flavored e-cigarettes, especially fruit flavors, have driven the increase of use amongst young smokers. Mango was one of the most popular Juul flavors before it was pulled off the market.