Issuing a stern warning to several companies selling illegal flavoured cigarettes to American consumers online, in complete violation of the nationwide ban enacted as part of the Tobacco Control Act signed into law in June 2009, the ban formally went into effect on 22nd September 2009.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to over a dozen online firms, ordering them to immediately stop the sale of the illegal products and take necessary actions for bringing the banned products into compliance with the law. The companies have also been asked to respond in writing within 15-days regarding the steps taken in relation to the banned cigarettes.

FDA banned candy, fruit and clove-flavoured cigarettes in September, as federal health authorities and regulators believe they are typically marketed to attract young smokers, who find the flavoured products appealing. The removal of such products from the market will prevent children and adolescents from taking up smoking, including reducing the numbers of deaths and disease from smoking, the leading cause of death worldwide.

In his statement, Dr. Lawrence R. Deyton, Director of FDA’s Centre for Tobacco Products said, FDA was serious about enforcing the flavoured cigarette ban, sending a clear message FDA would take necessary action against those who continued to break the law, so as to protect children from using tobacco.

Research shows young 17-year-old smokers are three times more likely to use flavoured cigarettes than those over the age of 25.

According to the agency, 90% of adult smokers picked up the habit as teenagers, and the ban on average will help prevent over 3,600-youngsters per day from starting smoking.

So far, FDA is still studying menthol cigarettes and flavoured tobacco products like cigars, and has not imposed a ban on manufacturing, importing, marketing and distributing them.

FDA was given authority to regulate tobacco and ban certain products, for limiting allowable nicotine and preventing labels like ‘low tar’ and ‘light’ from conveying certain products were less harmful.

Cigarette cartons will be required to be covered with large, graphic warnings.