FDA Warns Juul About Marketing

The Primary: On Monday, the FDA sent a formal warning letter to Juul Labs, Inc. accusing the company of illegal marketing tactics. 

• Who? What? Why?: The letter, which notes Juul’s targeted advertising to children, comes six weeks after Juul co-founder James Monsees’ appeared in front of a House subcommittee. In his testimony, Monsees defended the company’s actions in light of increasing youth participation in vaping. In the letter, the FDA demands that Juul take “corrective action” to address the violations listed as well as “violations that are…similar to those stated above.” 

• The Baseline: With the FDA, the CDC, and the first lady expressing serious concern about Juul’s products, the company is in hot water. Not to mention, hundreds of people were hospitalized and several people died this summer from vaping-related illnesses.