FDA issues marketing denial order for all Juul products

The FDA has issued a marketing denial order for all Juul products being sold in the US. This means that businesses must stop selling and distributing Juul products. Any products that are currently on sale must also be removed; otherwise, the FDA plans to take enforcement action. 

This ruling includes Juul devices and the four types of pods currently on sale: 

• Virginia tobacco flavored pods 5.0%
• Virginia tobacco flavored pods 3.0%
• Menthol flavored pods 5.0%
• Menthol flavored pods 3.0%

In a statement, the FDA said: “Today’s action is further progress on the FDA’s commitment to ensuring that all e-cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery system products currently being marketed to consumers meet our public health standards. 

The agency has dedicated significant resources to reviewing products from the companies that account for most of the U.S. market. We recognize these make up a significant part of the available products and many have played a disproportionate role in the rise in youth vaping.”

There are no restrictions on individual consumers using these products, as the changes only affect retail sales. Sellers have been advised to contact Juul if they have any queries. 

Why are Juul products being banned?

Juul has been on the FDA’s radar for several years and has faced criticism about the popularity of its products among young people. Critics believe that by offering fruit flavors and stylish products, Juul was targeting teens and young adults. 

The FDA says that it has now reviewed the premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs), and has ruled that there’s not enough evidence about the safety of Juul products, as studies have found conflicting safety data. 

The agency added: “The FDA is tasked with ensuring that tobacco products sold in this country meet the standard set by the law, but the responsibility to demonstrate that a product meets those standards ultimately falls on the shoulders of the company. 

As with all manufacturers, JUUL had the opportunity to provide evidence demonstrating that the marketing of their products meets these standards. However, the company did not provide that evidence and instead left us with significant questions. Without the data needed to determine relevant health risks, the FDA is issuing these marketing denial orders.”