Canada Health Groups, Tobacco Industry Seek Stricter Vaping Flavour Regulations Amid Youth Concerns

Public health groups and Canada's largest cigarette maker are jointly urging Health Minister Marjorie Michel to tighten rules on e-cigarette flavors, particularly fruity and candy varieties, due to concerns about youth vaping. Both sides agree that federal regulations have not kept pace with the rapidly evolving market, calling for swift action to prevent thousands of school-aged children from becoming addicted. Simultaneously, the United Korean Convenience Industry Alliance has called on Minister Michel to reverse the ban on nicotine pouches in convenience stores, arguing that regulated pouches aid smokers in quitting and that the black market is thriving in their absence. In other regions, bans on single-use disposable vapes are being implemented due to environmental and fire safety concerns, aiming to reduce litter and harmful chemical exposure. Meanwhile, Qatar's Ministry of Public Health is intensifying awareness efforts on the risks of flavored tobacco and nicotine products, emphasizing the health dangers associated with altering tobacco products with flavorings. Reports from Kenya highlight that bans on nicotine pouches have led to significant price hikes and the persistence of illicit sales, underscoring challenges in controlling tobacco and nicotine product use globally.