Category: News This Week

  • Indiana: Legislation to Ban Flavors Introduced

    Indiana: Legislation to Ban Flavors Introduced

    Indiana State Representative Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) has introduced House Bill 1410, aiming to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products and e-liquids within the state. The bill targets products with characterizing flavors, including menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco, citing concerns over their appeal to youth and potential health risks.

    This legislative effort is not Jackson’s first attempt to address flavored tobacco; similar bills were introduced in previous sessions but did not advance past committee stages. The current proposal reflects ongoing concerns about the rise in youth vaping and smoking, with flavored products often criticized for attracting younger users.

    If enacted, the bill would make it a Class C misdemeanor to sell flavored tobacco products in Indiana, aligning the state with others like California and Massachusetts that have implemented similar bans. The legislation is currently under review by the Committee on Public Policy, where it will be debated and potentially amended before any further progression.

    The proposed ban has sparked discussions among public health advocates and industry stakeholders. Supporters argue that removing flavored tobacco products from the market could reduce youth initiation and addiction, while opponents raise concerns about economic impacts on retailers and potential growth of illicit markets.

  • Study: Researchers Face Online Harassment Over Tobacco Studies

    Study: Researchers Face Online Harassment Over Tobacco Studies

    A recent study published in Nature highlights the increasing online harassment faced by public health researchers focusing on tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. These scientists are often labeled with derogatory terms such as “Nicotine Nazis,” particularly when their research challenges the interests of powerful industries.

    The study reveals that researchers advocating for stricter regulations on tobacco and nicotine products are frequent targets of coordinated online attacks. These attacks aim to discredit their work and intimidate them into silence, potentially hindering public health advancements.

    The harassment includes personal insults, threats, and the dissemination of false information about the researchers’ findings. The study authors fear that such hostile environments can deter scientists from engaging in critical public health research, thereby allowing industry interests to overshadow scientific evidence.

    According to the researchers, addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from academic institutions, policymakers, and social media platforms to protect researchers from online harassment. Implementing supportive measures can ensure that public health experts continue their essential work without fear of intimidation, ultimately contributing to more effective tobacco control policies.

  • Taiwan: Legislator Criticizes Ineffective Enforcement of E-Cigarette Ban

    Taiwan: Legislator Criticizes Ineffective Enforcement of E-Cigarette Ban

    Since the March 2023 amendment to Taiwan’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which prohibits the sale, demonstration, and use of e-cigarettes, enforcement has been notably insufficient, according to one Taiwanese legislator. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Wan Mei-ling highlighted that out of 500,000 e-cigarette-related cases, only 1,247 resulted in fines—a mere 0.25%.

    The fines issued include 251 for selling e-cigarettes, 619 for selling heated tobacco devices, and 404 for illegal use. Additionally, between July and September 2024, authorities confiscated 681 “zombie vapes” containing the anesthetic etomidate, averaging 227 per month. Etomidate, classified as a Category 2 narcotic, poses significant health risks, including adrenal insufficiency and impaired concentration, potentially leading to accidents.

    Wan[MM1]  emphasized the health dangers of e-cigarettes, particularly for adolescents, citing risks to brain development, lung damage, and increased cancer susceptibility. She called for enhanced inspections and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the societal impact of e-cigarettes and associated substances.

    In response, the Executive Yuan [MM2] reported that the High Prosecutors’ Office convened meetings with relevant ministries to discuss e-cigarette prevention and control. Efforts include intensified investigations into e-cigarettes laced with illegal drugs, collaboration with e-commerce and social media platforms to identify sellers, suspension of illegal websites, and tracking financial transactions to enforce the ban more effectively.

     [MM1]Is that the proper way to do the name?

     [MM2]Who? IS that a full name?

  • Ireland Introduces Licensing Fees to Combat Illicit Vape Sales

    Ireland Introduces Licensing Fees to Combat Illicit Vape Sales

    Starting February 2, 2025, Ireland will implement a new licensing system requiring retailers to pay annual fees to sell vaping and tobacco products. Retailers must pay €800 annually to sell vaping products and €1,000 for tobacco products, with tobacco-free nicotine pouches currently excluded from this regulation.

    The Health Service Executive will oversee compliance, conducting inspections to ensure adherence to the new rules. Licenses are subject to annual renewal, and retailers found in violation risk losing their ability to sell these products. Previously, selling tobacco required a one-time €50 fee, and no license was needed for vaping products.

    David Melinn, Country Manager at BAT Ireland, supports the licensing system, stating it will aid in enforcing the under-18 vape sales ban and prevent illegal vape sales. However, he expressed concerns over the exclusion of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from the legislation, hoping future amendments will address this oversight.

    The introduction of these fees is part of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, reflecting Ireland’s commitment to regulating nicotine product sales and reducing underage access. The government anticipates that this measure will enhance public health by curbing the availability of illicit vaping products, particularly among youth.

  • South Dakota: Noem Proposes Cuts to Tobacco Prevention Funding

    South Dakota: Noem Proposes Cuts to Tobacco Prevention Funding

    Governor Kristi Noem has proposed a $3 million reduction in South Dakota’s tobacco prevention programs, decreasing the budget from $5 million to $2 million for the fiscal year 2026.

    This 60% funding cut has raised concerns among public health advocates, who fear it could undermine efforts to reduce tobacco use in the state. Ben Hanson, a representative from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, emphasized the importance of sustained funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, noting that such initiatives are vital for public health.

    The proposed budget cuts have sparked debate about the state’s commitment to public health initiatives, particularly in combating tobacco use. Critics argue that reducing funding could reverse progress made in lowering smoking rates and preventing tobacco-related diseases.

    As the state legislature reviews the proposed budget, stakeholders from various sectors are expected to weigh in on the potential impact of these cuts on South Dakota’s public health landscape.

  • KT&G Announces New Uzbekistan Subsidiary

    KT&G Announces New Uzbekistan Subsidiary

    South Korea’s leading tobacco manufacturer, KT&G, has established a new subsidiary in Uzbekistan to strengthen its international market presence. This strategic move follows the opening of a local office in 2023, aimed at exporting customized tobacco products under the Esse brand to cater to regional preferences.

    In the previous year, KT&G achieved significant sales milestones, distributing 270 billion cigarettes across 120 countries. This expansion into Uzbekistan is part of the company’s broader strategy to tap into emerging markets and diversify its global portfolio.

    The establishment of the Uzbekistan subsidiary underscores KT&G’s commitment to adapting its product offerings to meet local tastes and regulatory environments. By focusing on customized products, the company aims to enhance its competitiveness and brand recognition in the Central Asian region.

  • Boebert Introduces Bill to Abolish ATF

    Boebert Introduces Bill to Abolish ATF

    On January 10, 2025, Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) announced the introduction of legislation aimed at abolishing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The bill, co-sponsored by Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO), seeks to eliminate the agency responsible for enforcing federal laws related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson.

    In a statement, Boebert expressed concerns that the ATF undermines constitutional freedoms, particularly the Second Amendment rights of American citizens. She stated, “I cannot imagine under any circumstance or administration where the ATF serves as an ally to the Second Amendment and law-abiding firearm owners across America.”

    The proposed legislation has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers who share similar concerns about the ATF’s role and its impact on constitutional rights. The bill is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.

  • BAT Partners with Mali’s State Firm Sonatam

    BAT Partners with Mali’s State Firm Sonatam

    British American Tobacco has entered into an agreement with Mali’s state-owned tobacco company, Sonatam, to produce and distribute BAT’s Dunhill International cigarettes within the country. This collaboration aims to enhance the availability of BAT’s premium products in the Malian market, leveraging Sonatam’s established distribution network. The partnership is expected to strengthen both companies’ positions in the regional tobacco industry.

  • Nicotine Pouch Use in Great Britain at 1%

    Nicotine Pouch Use in Great Britain at 1%

    Recent research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, in collaboration with Action on Smoking and Health, indicates that approximately 1% of both adults (aged 18 and over) and youths (aged 11-17) in Great Britain currently use nicotine pouches. The study also reveals that the lifetime usage of these pouches has doubled over the past four years, reaching 5.4%.

    Nicotine pouches, which are placed between the lip and gum to release nicotine without involving tobacco combustion, have been available in the UK market since 2019. Their use is predominantly observed among younger and middle-aged men who have a history of smoking and currently use other nicotine products. Despite their growing popularity, the overall prevalence of nicotine pouch use remains relatively low.

    The UK government is considering regulatory measures to address the increasing use of nicotine pouches, especially among youths. Health campaigners have called for a ban on the sale of these products to individuals under 18, highlighting concerns about potential health risks and the lack of age restrictions.

  • FDA Proposes Landmark Rule to Limit Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes

    FDA Proposes Landmark Rule to Limit Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes

    The FDA is preparing to propose a rule to cap nicotine levels in cigarettes and certain other tobacco products to make them minimally or non-addictive. This effort aligns with the Biden administration’s broader public health goals to significantly reduce smoking rates, particularly among youth, and to curb tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., accounting for approximately 480,000 deaths annually.

    The proposed rule, part of the FDA’s comprehensive tobacco control strategy, is expected to face strong opposition from the tobacco industry and some policymakers. Critics argue that the move could unintentionally boost the black market for cigarettes and may not address existing addiction among smokers. Proponents, however, emphasize the measure’s potential to save millions of lives and reduce healthcare costs in the long term.

    This regulation, if implemented, would mark a historic step in tobacco control, as no other country has yet enforced nicotine limits in cigarettes to this degree. The FDA has been exploring such measures since 2009 when Congress gave it authority to regulate tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. While the proposal is still in its early stages, public health advocates view it as a critical milestone in reducing the public health burden of smoking.