FDA to fully ban e-cigarettes

Mumbai: The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed its officers to enforce a complete ban on e-cigarettes in the state.

FDA commissioner Dr Pallavi Darade has written a letter to all drug enforcement officers across state, following the Union government’s decision to curb rampant usage of e-cigarettes and ban their sale, manufacture, and trade.

In the wake of studies by various universities suggesting that smoking e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) leads to consumption of tobacco cigarettes.

During the recent past, it was found that the younger generation was getting drawn to and influenced by ENDS. The Union government has banned e-cigarettes, to curb their increasing usage.

Dr Darade, commissioner, state FDA, said, “The younger generation is getting addicted to e-cigarettes. A recent study by the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, investigated the effect that e-cigarettes have on endothelial cells that line the inside of the body's blood vessels. Smoking these is injurious to health.”

“The Centre has banned the sale, manufacture, and import of e-cigarettes. We have also sent a letter to all drug enforcement officers to keep strong vigil, and take action against those indulging in the business. We, at the FDA, are trying to put an effective ban on the use of e-cigarettes in the state,” Ms Darade said.

There is no legislation to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes in the country, said experts.