U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York is calling on the Food and Drug Administration to immediately ban electronic cigarette flavors like cookie dough and cotton candy that appeal to children.

The Democrat says while the FDA has taken steps to curb marketing of e-cigarettes to minors, the agency can do more and has the legal authority to regulate flavors. Schumer says there are already laws banning flavored smokes being sold to children but they are not being adequately enforced.

Schumer held a press opportunity May 6 to announce he had sent a letter to the FDA commissioner.

Last week, several groups had gone to media outlets to protest the amount of vaping product that is being marketed in packaging that looks like candy and juice boxes.

The FDA has already sent warnings to a dozen manufacturers, dealers and distributors about the packaging that appears to be primarily designed to lure children into e-cigarette use.

Health officials have said recent studies show the use of electronic cigarettes among minors has been increasing.

 

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