FDA Cracks Down on Illegal Chinese Vaping Products in Major Public Health and National Security Move
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary has declared a crackdown on illegal Chinese vaping products, prioritizing it as a major public health and national security concern. The move comes after years of inaction and a surge in youth vaping.
Most e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. originate from China, with some linked to notorious cartels like the Sinaloa. These products often contain dangerous substances such as heavy metals and even fentanyl, yet law enforcement has largely turned a blind eye. Makary's predecessor issued only warning letters, failing to address the issue robustly.
This month, the FDA conducted the largest bust of illegal vaping products in U.S. history, seizing products worth $90 million. Makary personally oversaw the seizure of nearly 5 million illegal vaping products in Chicago. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, with the illegal vaping industry deeply rooted in organized crime. Out of approximately 7,000 vaping products available in the U.S., only 39 are FDA-approved.
FDA Commissioner Makary's crackdown on illegal Chinese vaping products signals a shift in approach to the youth vaping epidemic. With the illegal industry tied to organized crime and posing a national security threat, robust enforcement is crucial to protect public health and keep dangerous products off the market.
