On September 8, the American Lung Association (ALA) issued a sharp statement opposing the FDA's recent flavor authorizations. ALA President and CEO Harold Wimer said the agency should be helping prevent youth tobacco use, "not making it harder."
Quote: "The FDA must stop authorizing any flavored tobacco products moving forward, including mint or menthol. We cannot afford to reverse the progress we've made in reducing youth tobacco use."
— Harold Wimer, President & CEO, American Lung Association (September 8, 2026)
Key ALA arguments:
- Approximately 90% of youth vapers use flavored products, according to National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) data cited by the FDA itself
- Fruit is the most commonly used flavor among youth e-cigarette users
- The ALA emphasized that e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved quit-smoking products
- The ALA urged FDA to "stop authorizing any flavored tobacco products moving forward, including mint or menthol"
- State and local governments were encouraged to continue prohibiting flavored tobacco product sales
