Dick Durbin Expresses Disappointment Over FDA Approval of Menthol-Flavored E-Cigarettes

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jun.26.2024

Dick Durbin Expresses Disappointment Over FDA Approval of Menthol-Flavored E-Cigarettes

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin expressed disappointment in FDA approval of menthol e-cigarette products, citing concerns over youth addiction.

Recently, Dick Durbin, the Majority Whip of the US Senate and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed disappointment at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving four menthol e-cigarette products for sale in the United States through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. This authorization marks the FDA's first approval of non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette products.

The parliamentarian's statement is as follows:

A large tobacco company is using menthol and other flavors to mask the harsh taste of its dangerous products. The FDA has learned from its own experience of seeking to ban the production of menthol cigarettes to protect public health. We have seen children start using nicotine with menthol flavors. Today's approval of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes will create more opportunities for children to become addicted to harmful products.

Earlier this month, a committee hearing was held in Debin on the topic of "Combating the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use through strengthened enforcement against illegal e-cigarettes." The hearing highlighted concerning levels of youth e-cigarette use, the role of flavors like menthol in youth tobacco product use, and reviewed federal agencies' failure to enforce laws aimed at protecting children from lifelong nicotine addiction.

Deb has always been an active advocate against tobacco giants, especially after his father passed away from lung cancer when he was 14. During his time in the House of Representatives, he has been dedicated to combatting big tobacco companies and advocating for smoking bans on airplanes, extending to restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other public spaces. Deb has also led efforts to grant the FDA authority over tobacco, increase tobacco taxes to prevent youth smoking, and strengthen support for cessation tools.

References:

[1] Durbin Statement On FDA Authorizing First Menthol Flavored E-Cigarette Products

Also Read:

[1] FDA Approves Four NJOY Menthol E-cigarette Products for Sale

[2] North Carolina Considers Banning Hundreds of E-Cigarette Products: Report

[3] FDA Funding Bill Delays Proposed Tobacco Regulations on E-cigarettes

[4] Boosted LLC and Owner Cory Vigil Receive Permanent Injunction from FDA and DOJ

[5] Senate Hearing: US Officials Criticized for Inadequate E-Cigarette Regulation, Including ELFBAR

[6] Federal Task Force Formed to Combat Illegal E-cigarette Sales

#North America #United States #Legislation #Open system e-cigarettes #FDA

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.

Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.

Dec.14 by Echo Duo

Imperial Brands’ blu adds “Creamy Tobacco” flavour, rolling out across device kits and pod products

Imperial Brands’ vaping brand blu has outlined its flavour roadmap for 2026 on its official website, adding a new “Creamy Tobacco” flavour that has been rolled out across the rechargeable blu bar kit and its compatible blu kit pods. The brand describes the flavour as offering a more velvety tobacco taste.

Dec.19

EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split

The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.

Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine

South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.