Florida is turning as a depository for illicit e-cigarettes that might be fentanyl-laced.
Leaders in the states and the private sector are now pleading with the federal government to assist in solving the issue. The Food and Drug Administration is sending warning letters to numerous retailers that sell unauthorised disposable electronic cigarettes.
The Florida Port Council is raising the alarm after numerous retailers close to Florida’s 15 ports received the alert.
Statewide, I believe there has been an increase in illicit products, stated the head of Florida Port Council.
According to the Florida Retail Federation, consumers spend over $363 million annually on disposable vaping devices, making this state the most popular place to buy them. That exceeds the national average by 20%.
The majority of vaping goods are made in China, and some of them may contain fentanyl. Recently, the FDA issued an order for the ports to confiscate certain shipments of illicit vapes.
Hope to apprehend those entering through our ports without authorization. After that, finish up any work for people arriving from ports outside of Florida.
Regulators claim that the items’ many flavours may appeal to youngsters.
The organisation that looks into illicit goods in Florida is the Department of Business and Professional Regulation of Florida. It informed the Grey Florida Capital Bureau that it is collaborating with other authorities to help enforce laws against illicit vape goods, which it observes all around the state.
We are making every effort to give our retailers as much information as we can, but the truth is that it is very limited and relatively new.CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, CEO, said
While the proprietors of Tallahassee’s vape shops declined to be interviewed, they claimed that by partnering with trustworthy wholesalers, they can ensure the safety of their goods. Even that, though, is not always easy. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 269 e-cigarette brands in 2022 compared to 184 in 2020.
CEO expressed hope that the FDA could assist.
CEO expressed optimism that the FDA would begin to provide more guidelines and clarification on the goods that had undergone testing.
Anyone with information about any illicit vape products being sold is encouraged to get in touch with the FDA via the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Since 2019, 13 illicit vaping product seizures have been publicly reported by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. They were all from China.
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