Effective September 22, 2009, the use of candy and fruit flavors in cigarettes is prohibited, according to a statement from Charles D. Conner, American Lung Association president and chief executive officer.
As part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by President Obama in June, candy and fruit flavored cigarettes can no longer be manufactured or sold as of this date.
“This move will save countless lives by outlawing strawberry, lime, honey, or pina colada flavored cigarettes that the tobacco industry has used to lure new, young smokers,” said Conner. “Today, we celebrate an important victory in our fight against the tobacco caused illnesses, while still recognizing youth smoking is a serious problem in the United States.”
Conner went on to say, “It is vital that the FDA strictly enforce the ban on the use of candy and fruit flavors in cigarettes. Some tobacco companies might claim that their products are exempt from the ban. It is critical that the FDA take all the necessary steps to ensure that all cigarettes with a characterizing flavor covered by the law are removed from the shelves immediately.”
