The EU health ministers’ approach to banning flavours endangers public health and democracy

Taste is important

BRUSSELS, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Steamers across Europe have raised the alarm ahead of Thursday’s EPSCO Council meeting, where ministers are expected to launch an aggressive press Ban flavors in safer nicotine products.

This step bypasses democratic processes and ignores the Votes from 54,000 citizens the one petition The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) is mobilizing against such a ban.

“Every year in the EU, 700,000 lives are needlessly lost to smoking-related diseases. By recklessly pushing for a ban on flavours in favour of safer nicotine alternatives, they are playing with lives and ignoring the clear will of the people. It is time to put an end to this madness and listen to the science and the citizens it serves.” said Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers Alliance.

The European Commission has not yet consulted the public on a new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This delay has left a gap that ministers are seeking to exploit by ignoring the necessary scientific assessment, public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.

The first Advice was marked by a record number of submissions, mainly from citizens calling for safer nicotine products.

Flavors play a important role in supporting adult smokers in the transition stay away from cigarettes and abstain from smoking. Ignoring this fact endangers public health and ignores the overwhelming support of European citizens who have expressed their opposition to a flavour ban.

The WVA calls for a open letter calls on EU health ministers to reject the proposal to ban flavours and instead focus on policies based on science and reflecting the will of the people. With the next version of the Tobacco Products Directive in the pipeline, it is essential that EU policymakers recognise the importance of alternative products in reducing smoking rates and protecting public health. “This is not just about regulation, it is about lives. We must prioritise harm reduction and listen to people’s voices,” added Landl.

For media inquiries please contact:

Michael Landl
Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance
[email protected]

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