Teen temptations beware: MAHA-era FDA gives vapes, tanning beds a boost

The Food and Drug Administration is easing restrictions on unauthorized vapes and scrapping a proposed ban on minors using tanning beds, reflecting a tumultuous shift in priorities during the MAHA era . The big picture: The moves risk weakening federal efforts to protect teens from unhealthy habits and emboldening industries that market addictive or high-risk products, public health experts warn. Driving the news: The FDA handed the vaping industry two wins in May: authorizing its first fruit-flavored vaping products for adults, a decision opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and signaling it won't prioritize enforcement against some unauthorized products. Former FDA commissioner Marty Makary reportedly resisted approving flavored vapes before reversing course under White House pressure. His resistance reportedly contributed to his ouster. Rich Danker, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s chief spokesperson, resigned in protest over the decision Wednesday, according to a letter obtained by the New York Times. Reached for comment, Health and Human Services referred Axios to the FDA's press release . What they're saying: Mitch Zeller, who led the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products from 2013 to 2022, tells Axios the company that won authorization appear to have strong age verification and that the agency concluded there was evidence of a public health benefit, though he has yet to see the details. But possible political interference in the process concerned him — as did new guidance outlining when the FDA does and doesn't intend to enforce rules. Context: In new guidance , the FDA said it won't prioritize enforcement against certain vapes and nicotine pouches that have applied for authorization but have yet to complete review, citing a lack of resources and saying it is "focusing on the most deceptive and dangerous products." "This is a get-out-of-jail-free card for companies that have broken the law and h...

Original source: Axios