Just as child health advocates were celebrating a 10-year low in youth nicotine vaping rates, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a huge step in the wrong direction by authorizing the first fruit-flavored vapes for adult use. As a pediatric pulmonologist who provides care for children with serious health conditions, I find this deeply concerning. 

The newly authorized products include mango- and blueberry-flavored vapes, and two types of menthol-flavored vapes, all of which make nicotine products more enticing to children. According to the 2025 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 97% of Maine high school students who reported using a vape product in the past 30 days used a flavored tobacco product. The high levels of nicotine found in these products is extremely addictive, and extremely harmful to developing brains, lungs and bodies. 

While these products have been available on the market for years, the FDA’s decision to authorize them ignores the unique risks they pose to youth, which cannot be avoided simply by labeling these products as “adult-use only.” 

In recent years, many Maine municipalities have successfully passed ordinances restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products. Combined with measures like the tobacco tax increase that was passed by the Legislature last year, we can reduce the risk of youth nicotine addiction and other health consequences. I urge state and local policymakers to continue to take action to combat the FDA’s authorization of fruit flavored vape products.

Anne Coates, MD 
Cape Elizabeth