Juul Labs Inc. was warned by U.S. health officials that it may have violated the law by making claims its e-cigarette devices are safe; this coming at the same time a mysterious lung ailment is raising new questions about the health effects of vaping.
The FDA also sent Juul a letter requesting documents related to the company’s advertising and promotional efforts, given that its vape devices “continue to represent a significant proportion of the overall use” of e-cigarettes by children.
Juul halted much of its social-media marketing last year after criticism that its stylish ads on Instagram and other apps targeted younger users.
“Juul has ignored the law, and, very concerningly, has made some of these statements in school to our nation’s youth,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless.
In response, Ted Kwong, a Juul spokesman, said, “we are reviewing the letters and will fully cooperate,”
Juul has pitched its sleek, USB-like vaping device as a way for adults to quit smoking — though the FDA said that the company also targeted students.
- Vape-Related Deaths Are Scaring People Back into Smoking CigsVICE
- Everything Goes to Pot: Myths Are Driving FDA, CDC Vaping PolicyAmerican Council on Science and Health
- FDA warns leading e-cigarette maker Juul about its marketing practiceswtvr.com
- Juul illegally marketed e-cigarettes, FDA saysBig Think
- Vaping-related disease spurs calls for tighter rules in CongressPolitico
- FDA targets Juul as vaping-related deaths increaseWashington Times
- Evidence shows Juul illegally marketed vaping as safer than smokingPopular Science
- Juul gave presentations in schools to kids—and the FDA is fumingArs Technica
- 'JUUL has ignored the law' and the FDA wants answersYahoo Finance
