Feds warn e-cigarette makers about packaging after thousands of kids drink toxic liquid

Government authorities cautioned 13 e-cigarette creators and suppliers Wednesday that they need to change the product packaging that marketplaces the tobacco to children and has led to some children unintentionally consuming fluid smoking.

Several of the online stores were also mentioned for unlawfully promoting the items to those under 18.

The e-cigarettes focused had marking and/or advertising that seemed like kid-friendly foodstuffs, such as juice containers, sweets or biscuits, some such as animated pictures.

There were more than 8,200 e-cigarette and fluid smoking exposures among children young than six between Jan 2012 and Apr 2017, according to a recent research of Nationwide Toxins Information System data.

Children are at higher threat because visibility to the smoking in e-liquid items, even in a small amount, could lead to loss of life from heart attack, as well as seizure, coma, and breathing failing.

“No child should be using any tobacco product, and no tobacco should be promoted in a way that endangers children — especially by using visuals that misleads them into thinking the goods are things they’d eat or drink. said FDA Commissioner and doctor Scott Gottlieb. "Looking at these side-to-side evaluations is worrying."

Products focused include: “One Mad Hit Juice Box,” which appears like children’s any fruit juice containers, such as Shrub Top-brand juice boxes; “Vape Leads Bitter Smurf Marinade,” which appears like War Leads candy; and “V'Nilla Cookies & Milk products,” which appears like Nilla Wafer and Fantastic Oreo cookies; “Whip’d Bananas,” which looks like Reddi-wip milk pulled leading, and “Twirly Pop,” which "not only appears like a Unicorn Pop lollipop but is distributed with one," the FDA says. 

“Nicotine is highly harmful, and these characters explain that marketing techniques that put children in danger of smoking harming are undesirable,” said Performing FTC Chair Maureen K. Ohlhausen.

"Companies promoting these items have a liability to ensure they aren’t putting children in harm’s way or attractive youngsters use," says Gottlieb. He promised to "continue to act against those who sell tobacco to youngsters and market items in this egregious fashion."

FDA says it might file injunctions or take items if the firms don't act to address regulators' issues.