WASHINGTON, D.C. – As new federal data show continued declines in youth tobacco use, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reject any effort to authorize new flavored tobacco products, including coffee, mint and cinnamon. Flavors have long been used by Big Tobacco to appeal to and addict young people to their deadly products.
The new data released by the FDA, historically released by the now dismantled Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), shows a decline in youth usage of e-cigarettes going from 5.9% in 2024 to 5.2% in 2025. The use of pouches also declined from 1.8% to 1.7%, smokeless tobacco from 1.2% to 0.6%, and heated tobacco products from 0.8% to 0.7%.
The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“These new encouraging numbers confirm that progress is being made in reducing youth tobacco use. The drop in youth tobacco usage rates makes it even clearer that FDA considering allowing additional flavored products, which we know hook and addict kids, flies in the face of science. At a time when we should be doubling down on interventions that are clearly working, expanding access to flavored products sends exactly the wrong message. We cannot afford to take a step backwards.
“Flavored products have consistently played a central role in attracting youth to tobacco products, masking harshness and increasing appeal. Allowing any flavors at this critical juncture risks reversing years of hard-fought progress.
“We also remain deeply concerned with the gutting of OSH’s staff and tobacco cessation and prevention programs. This office has been a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to reduce tobacco-related disease and death. Any rollback undermines decades of progress and puts future generations at risk.
“ACS CAN calls on the FDA to prioritize science, protect youth, and reject any applications for flavored e-cigarette products that could reignite youth tobacco and nicotine addiction.”