FDA OKs best-selling e-cigarette Vuse Alto, but only in tobacco flavor
Federal health officials have authorized sales of Vuse Alto, the best-selling e-cigarette in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration made the decision Thursday, allowing Reynolds American to keep its reusable e-cigarette on the market for years to come
WASHINGTON — Federal health officials on Thursday authorized sales of the best-selling e-cigarette in the U.S., Vuse Alto, allowing manufacturer Reynolds American to keep the vaping brand on the market for years to come.
The Food and Drug Administration decision only applies to several tobacco-flavored versions of the reusable product, which takes cartridges filled with liquid nicotine. The FDA previously rejected Reynold’s application for its more popular menthol flavor, but the company is challenging that decision in court.
Last month, the FDA granted competitor Njoy the first authorization for a menthol-flavored e-cigarette. The vaping brand, which is not a big seller, is controlled by tobacco giant Altria, which also sells Marlboro cigarettes.
Thursday's announcement is not an approval or endorsement, and the FDA reiterated that people who do not smoke should not use Vuse or any other e-cigarettes. The FDA determination indicates that smokers who switch completely to Vuse can reduce their exposure to deadly carcinogens and other chemicals found in traditional tobacco.
“All tobacco products are harmful and potentially addictive,” the FDA said in a statement. “Those who do not use tobacco products, especially young people, should not start.”
Like other tobacco companies, Reynolds makes most of its income from traditional cigarettes, including Camels and Newports.
Vuse made up 40% of U.S. vaping sales in the past year, according to retail data from Nielsen. Most
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