Supreme Court weighs in on sweet vaping battle that affects millions of teens
Supreme Court judges looked into FDAʼs choice to block fruit-flavored vaping products due to teen appeal. Two e-cigarette makers challenged the agencyʼs decision-making process
The nations highest court showed support for FDA position in a key e-cigarette case this monday. The agency blocked sweet-tasting vape products (which included dessert and fruit flavors) saying they make teens want to try nicotine
During the dec-2024 hearing‚ justices discussed how the FDA handled applications from two vape companies — the agencys main point was protecting young people from getting hooked on e-cigs. The companies dont agree with FDAʼs methods: they say rules changed mid-way which wasnt fair to them
The case started when a lower-court said FDA wasnt consistent in its decision-making; this made the agency go to Supreme Court for help. The whole thing is about finding balance between business rights and teen health which is hard to do in todays fast-growing vape market
The companies want to sell these products but FDA thinks sweet flavors are too risky — its a classic case of business vs public health where theres no easy answer. The court needs to decide if the agency acted right when it said no to these applications
