US FDA concerned over rising use of e-cigarettes in youth

WASHINGTON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a ban on flavored e-cigarettes in response to an "epidemic" of young people using e-cigarettes, the agency's leader said on Wednesday.

In a speech at FDA headquarters, Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency would also revisit its compliance policy that extended the dates for manufacturers of flavored e-cigarettes to submit applications for premarket authorization.

Gottlieb announced a number of steps the agency planned to take as part of a broader crackdown on the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to kids. The agency issued 12 warning letters to companies that have deceptive marketing labels on e-liquids.

"We see clear signs that youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion," Gottlieb said. "We cannot allow a whole new generation to become addicted to nicotine."