COLUMBUS – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to JUUL Labs Inc. for illegally marketing its products as less harmful than regular cigarettes by engaging in labeling, advertising, and/or other activities directed toward consumers, including a presentation given to youth at a school.

The following is a statement from Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, MD, MPH:

“I commend the U.S. FDA for issuing this warning letter. Tobacco companies are actively addicting our next generation through vaping – which is not safe, contrary to the perception. The explosive increase in vaping among our youth is a public health emergency. Anyone who needs help quitting can visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website at http://odh.ohio.gov for resources or call the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.”