Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Flavored Vaping Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the FDA's decision to deny applications from Triton Distribution and Vapetasia to market flavored e-cigarette liquids, citing health risks to youth and the agency's lack of evidence for public benefit. Justices appeared divided, with liberal justices supporting the FDA's stance on the dangers of flavored products attracting minors, while some conservatives questioned the clarity of the FDA's guidance and its shifting standards. The FDA's rejection was based on the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which requires a demonstration of public health benefits before new tobacco products can be marketed. Following a decrease in teen vaping rates, the incoming Trump administration's potential policy changes may influence future FDA approaches to e-cigarettes. The Supreme Court is reviewing a previous ruling from the 5th Circuit that favored the companies, which had argued that the FDA misled them regarding approval requirements. The case illustrates the ongoing tension between public health measures and the vaping industry's claims of providing alternatives for adult smokers.