Congressman Krishnamoorthi Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Prevent Big Tobacco And Vaping Companies From Preying On Children With Synthetic Nicotine Loophole
The Clarifying Authority Over Nicotine Act would ensure FDA authority to regulate synthetic nicotine
WASHINGTON –– Yesterday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined with Representatives Chris Stewart (R-UT), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) to introduce the Clarifying Authority Over Nicotine Act of 2021. This legislation clarifies the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate synthetic nicotine, in addition to tobacco-derived nicotine.
Currently, vaping and tobacco companies are looking to exploit a perceived regulatory loophole to make and sell their addictive products without regulatory oversight by FDA, as the youth vaping epidemic continues. Questionable actors – like Puff Bar – have used unregulated synthetic nicotine to become the number one children's e-cigarette brand, with 26% of kids who vape using their products. Through this "loophole," Puff Bar and companies like it have been able to sell flavored e-cigarettes and market their product to the youth population without oversight.
"I'm honored to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to ensure that the FDA will continue to be able to crack down on vaping and tobacco companies that target our kids, even if these companies use synthetic nicotine in their products," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "There is a perception among the industry that synthetic nicotine is a loophole in order to avoid FDA regulation. In order to carry out its duty to protect the health and safety of the American people, the FDA needs to have its authority undeniably confirmed in this area. As we work to end the youth vaping epidemic, it's essential that we cut off every avenue these companies might exploit to market their products to children without accountability."
"Bad actors in the vaping industry have been dodging regulations and targeting children for too long," said Congressman Stewart. "It's well past time that we start closing loopholes and increasing transparency. This bipartisan legislation will give the FDA the proper authority to do exactly that. We cannot stand idly by as this epidemic of youth e-cigarette use continues to impact children, families, schools and communities."
To watch Rep. Krishnamoorthi's interview with CBS This Morning on synthetic nicotine, click here.