Read articles from North America

May 08, 2026 by qz.com

The FDA on Tuesday authorized the sale of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes for the first time, clearing four products from Los Angeles-based vaping company Glas Inc. for adult use in the U.S. The authorized products — marketed under the names Gold, Sapphire, Classic Menthol, and Fresh Menthol — are e-liquid pods containing 50mg/ml of tobacco-derived nicotine, according to the FDA. Gold and Sapphire are mango and blueberry flavors, respectively, according to NBC News. Until Tuesday's action, every federally authorized vaping product had been either tobacco- or menthol-flavored.

May 07, 2026 by filtermag.org

The United States has authorised fruit-flavoured vaping products for the first time, marking a major shift in federal nicotine regulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mango and blueberry vape pods after determining that new age-verification technology could help limit youth access. For years, concerns over underage vaping had been the main reason flavoured products were denied authorisation in the US market. Supporters argue that flavoured alternatives may help adult smokers move away from cigarettes, particularly as smoking cessation tools evolve. At the same time, public health organisations warn that the decision could increase youth appeal and reverse progress made in reducing teenage vaping rates. The move reflects a broader shift in the ongoing debate over how to balance harm reduction, adult choice and youth protection in nicotine policy.

May 07, 2026 by worldvapersalliance.com

The influence of private funding on global public health policy is becoming an increasingly debated issue. Analysis highlights how large-scale philanthropic investment can shape not only funding priorities but also the direction of international health strategies. In the case of Michael Bloomberg, billions of dollars have been channelled into tobacco control initiatives through a network of interconnected organisations. This structure is argued to amplify a single policy perspective across multiple institutions, including programmes linked to the World Health Organization. Critics suggest that such influence may limit debate around harm reduction approaches and alternative nicotine products. The discussion raises broader questions about transparency, accountability and the role of private actors in shaping global health agendas.

May 06, 2026 by protectingtaxpayers.org

Mexico’s sweeping ban on vaping products is increasingly linked to a range of unintended consequences beyond its original public health goals. Analysis suggests that prohibition has not eliminated demand, but instead shifted the market into informal and illegal channels. Evidence indicates that criminal groups have expanded their role in supplying vape products, taking advantage of the absence of a regulated market. This has raised concerns about product safety, as unregulated devices may contain unknown or harmful substances. At the same time, enforcement challenges persist, with banned products remaining widely available despite strict legal measures. Critics argue that the policy may undermine both consumer protection and public health by reducing oversight while strengthening illicit trade. The situation highlights broader questions about whether prohibition-based approaches can effectively manage nicotine use without creating new risks.

April 30, 2026 by realclearscience.com

Debate over heated tobacco products is intensifying as regulators and public health advocates interpret the evidence in different ways. Authorisation decisions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have recognised that some products can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. This distinction is based on extensive scientific review, highlighting the role of combustion—not nicotine itself—as the primary source of harm. However, critics argue that parts of the public health community continue to downplay or reject these findings, creating confusion around relative risk. Such messaging may discourage smokers from switching to potentially less harmful alternatives, undermining harm reduction efforts. The debate ultimately reflects a wider divide between evidence-based regulatory assessments and broader public health narratives on tobacco and nicotine.

April 30, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Concerns are growing over how decisions on flavoured vaping products are being made within the United States regulatory system. Discussion around U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlights claims that scientific evidence supporting certain products may not be fully reflected in final decisions. Experts point to potential “blind spots” in how data is interpreted, particularly when it comes to evaluating the role of flavours in helping adults switch from smoking. The debate raises questions about consistency between the agency’s scientific mandate and its regulatory outcomes. Critics argue that overly cautious or restrictive decisions could limit access to alternatives for smokers.At the same time, the controversy reflects broader tensions over how evidence, risk and public health priorities are balanced in nicotine policy.

April 30, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Concerns are growing over how decisions on flavoured vaping products are being made within the United States regulatory system. Discussion around U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlights claims that scientific evidence supporting certain products may not be fully reflected in final decisions. Experts point to potential “blind spots” in how data is interpreted, particularly when it comes to evaluating the role of flavours in helping adults switch from smoking. The debate raises questions about consistency between the agency’s scientific mandate and its regulatory outcomes. Critics argue that overly cautious or restrictive decisions could limit access to alternatives for smokers.At the same time, the controversy reflects broader tensions over how evidence, risk and public health priorities are balanced in nicotine policy.

April 27, 2026 by westernstandard.news

Criticism is mounting over how youth vaping trends are being presented in Canada’s public debate. Recent commentary argues that government-funded advocacy groups are misrepresenting data to justify stricter regulations on vaping products. Official figures from Health Canada indicate that youth vaping rates have actually declined significantly in recent years. At the same time, campaigners continue to push for flavour bans, which critics say could undermine harm reduction efforts for adult smokers. The controversy raises broader concerns about whether public health messaging is being driven by evidence or by institutional and political interests.

April 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Tensions are rising within the US administration over the future of flavoured nicotine products. Reports suggest that the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is resisting pressure from the White House to relax restrictions on flavours. The dispute highlights internal divisions over how to balance youth protection with harm reduction strategies. Critics argue that limiting flavoured alternatives could reduce options for adult smokers trying to switch. The situation reflects a broader struggle over how nicotine policy should be shaped and on what evidence.

April 27, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com

Tensions are rising within the US administration over the future of flavoured nicotine products. Reports suggest that the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is resisting pressure from the White House to relax restrictions on flavours. The dispute highlights internal divisions over how to balance youth protection with harm reduction strategies. Critics argue that limiting flavoured alternatives could reduce options for adult smokers trying to switch. The situation reflects a broader struggle over how nicotine policy should be shaped and on what evidence.