83_FR_12349 83 FR 12294 - Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco Products

83 FR 12294 - Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco Products

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 55 (March 21, 2018)

Page Range12294-12301
FR Document2018-05655

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to obtain information related to the role that flavors play in tobacco products. Specifically, this ANPRM is seeking comments, data, research results, or other information about, among other things, how flavors attract youth to initiate tobacco product use and about whether and how certain flavors may help adult cigarette smokers reduce cigarette use and switch to potentially less harmful products. FDA is seeking this information to inform regulatory actions FDA might take with respect to tobacco products with flavors, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act). Potential regulatory actions include, but are not limited to, tobacco product standards and restrictions on sale and distribution of tobacco products with flavors.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12294-12301]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05655]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Parts 1100, 1140, and 1143

[Docket No. FDA-2017-N-6565]
RIN 0910-AH60


Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco Products

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this advance 
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to obtain information related to 
the role that flavors play in tobacco products. Specifically, this 
ANPRM is seeking comments, data, research results, or other information 
about, among other things, how flavors attract youth to initiate 
tobacco product use and about whether and how certain flavors may help 
adult cigarette smokers reduce cigarette use and switch to potentially 
less harmful products. FDA is seeking this information to inform 
regulatory actions FDA might take with respect to tobacco products with 
flavors, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as 
amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act 
(Tobacco Control Act). Potential regulatory actions include, but are 
not limited to, tobacco product standards and restrictions on sale and 
distribution of tobacco products with flavors.

DATES: Submit either electronic or written comments by June 19, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments as follows. Please note that late, 
untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic comments 
must be submitted on or before June 19, 2018. The https://www.regulations.gov electronic filing system will accept comments until 
midnight Eastern Time at the end of June 19, 2018. Comments received by 
mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/paper submissions) will be 
considered timely if they are postmarked or the delivery service 
acceptance receipt is on or before that date.

Electronic Submissions

    Submit electronic comments in the following way:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted 
electronically, including attachments, to https://www.regulations.gov 
will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be 
made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment 
does not include any confidential information that you or a third party 
may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone 
else's Social Security number, or confidential business information, 
such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your 
name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in 
the body of your comments, that information will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
     If you want to submit a comment with confidential 
information that you do not wish to be made available to the public, 
submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner 
detailed (see ``Written/Paper Submissions'' and ``Instructions'').

Written/Paper Submissions

    Submit written/paper submissions as follows:
     Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for written/paper 
submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug 
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
     For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets 
Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any 
attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified, 
as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ``Instructions.''
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No. 
FDA-2017-N-6565 for ``Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco Products.'' 
Received comments, those filed in a timely manner (see ADDRESSES), will 
be placed in the docket and, except for those submitted as 
``Confidential Submissions,'' publicly viewable at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m. 
and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
     Confidential Submissions--To submit a comment with 
confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly 
available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You 
should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information 
you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states 
``THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.'' The Agency will 
review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in 
its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the 
claimed confidential information

[[Page 12295]]

redacted/blacked out, will be available for public viewing and posted 
on https://www.regulations.gov. Submit both copies to the Dockets 
Management Staff. If you do not wish your name and contact information 
to be made publicly available, you can provide this information on the 
cover sheet and not in the body of your comments and you must identify 
this information as ``confidential.'' Any information marked as 
``confidential'' will not be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 
10.20 and other applicable disclosure law. For more information about 
FDA's posting of comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 
18, 2015, or access the information at: https://www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in 
the heading of this document, into the ``Search'' box and follow the 
prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, 
Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Rich or Katherine Collins, 
Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Document 
Control Center, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. G335, Silver 
Spring, MD 20993, 1-877-CTP-1373, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. The Tobacco Control Act

    The Tobacco Control Act (Pub. L. 111-31) was enacted on June 22, 
2009, amending the FD&C Act and providing FDA with the authority to 
regulate tobacco products. Specifically, the Tobacco Control Act amends 
the FD&C Act by adding a new chapter that provides FDA with authority 
over tobacco products. Section 901(b) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 
387a(b)), as amended by the Tobacco Control Act, states that the new 
chapter in the FD&C Act (chapter IX--Tobacco Products) (21 U.S.C. 387 
through 387u) applies to all cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-
own tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and any other tobacco products that the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services by regulation deems to be 
subject to chapter IX. In the Federal Register of May 10, 2016 (81 FR 
28973), FDA issued a final rule deeming all products that meet the 
statutory definition of ``tobacco product'' in section 201(rr) of the 
FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 321(rr)), except accessories of deemed tobacco 
products, to be subject to FDA's tobacco product authority (the deeming 
rule). The products now subject to FDA's tobacco product authority 
include electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), cigars, 
waterpipes, pipe tobacco, nicotine gels, dissolvables that were not 
already subject to chapter IX of the FD&C Act, and other products that 
meet the statutory definition of ``tobacco product'' (other than 
accessories) that may be developed in the future.

B. Flavors and Tobacco Product Standards

    Section 907 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 387g) gives FDA the 
authority to establish tobacco product standards. To establish a 
tobacco product standard, FDA must find that the standard is 
appropriate for the protection of the public health, taking into 
consideration scientific evidence concerning the risks and benefits to 
the population as a whole, including users and nonusers of tobacco 
products; the increased or decreased likelihood that existing users of 
tobacco products will stop using such products; and the increased or 
decreased likelihood that those who do not use tobacco products will 
start using such products (section 907(a)(3)(A) and (B) of the FD&C 
Act). Thus, under section 907, FDA may issue product standards 
respecting the construction, components, ingredients, additives, 
constituents, and properties of tobacco products (section 
907(a)(4)(B)(i)) and restricting their sale and distribution (section 
907(a)(4)(B)(v)).\1\
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    \1\ As set forth above, section 907(a)(4)(B)(v) provides that 
product standards ``shall, where appropriate for the protection of 
the public health, include--. . . (v) a provision requiring that the 
sale and distribution of the tobacco product be restricted but only 
to the extent that the sale and distribution of a tobacco product 
may be restricted under a regulation under section 906(d).'' Section 
906(d) gives FDA authority to require restrictions on the sale and 
distribution of tobacco products by regulation if the Agency 
determines that such regulations would be appropriate for the 
protection of the public health. See section 906(d)(1) of the FD&C 
Act.
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    The Tobacco Control Act includes a ``Special Rule for Cigarettes,'' 
which prohibits cigarettes from containing characterizing flavors other 
than tobacco or menthol (section 907(a)(1)(A)). The statute also 
authorizes the Agency to issue additional product standards, including 
to address flavors in tobacco products (see section 907(a)(3)) and 
preserves FDA's authority to act with respect to menthol (section 
907(e)(3)). The deeming rule did not include provisions relating to 
flavors in tobacco products. Nevertheless, FDA explained that it did 
intend to consider the issues surrounding the role of flavors in 
tobacco products, including the role flavors play in youth and young 
adult use, as well as the existence of preliminary data that some 
adults may use flavored noncombusted tobacco products to transition 
away from combusted tobacco use. See 81 FR 28973 at 29014 and 29055.

C. The Role of Flavors in Tobacco Products Use

    Adolescence (under 18, also referred to as youth) and young 
adulthood (age 18 through 24) represent a time of heightened 
vulnerability to both the initiation of tobacco product use and the 
development of nicotine dependence (Ref. 1). Furthermore, flavors in 
tobacco products increase the appeal of those tobacco products to 
youth, and promote youth initiation (Ref. 2). Thus, the availability of 
tobacco products with flavors at these developmental stages attracts 
youth to initiate use of tobacco products and may result in lifelong 
use (Ref. 2). Researchers examining the impact of the Special Rule for 
Cigarettes have concluded that, while the prohibition of characterizing 
flavors in cigarettes has reduced adolescent tobacco product use, the 
continued availability of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco 
products likely diminish the effects (Ref. 3). Researchers estimated a 
6 percent reduction in the probability of using any tobacco product 
after implementation of the Tobacco Control Act (2009-2013), and 
observed the reductions to be significantly associated with the Special 
Rule for Cigarettes (Ref. 3).
    The adverse health effects associated with tobacco product use by 
youth have been well documented. Nicotine exposure and smoking during 
adolescence can have unique adverse consequences on brain development 
(Refs. 2 and 4). For example, smoking cigarettes during adolescence is 
associated with lasting cognitive and behavioral impairments, including 
effects on working memory in smoking teens (Ref. 5) and alterations in 
the prefrontal attentional network in young adult smokers (Ref. 6). 
Furthermore, the nonclinical data related to nicotine exposure and 
epidemiologic studies related to smoking cigarettes during adolescence 
taken together suggest an age-dependent susceptibility to nicotine 
(Ref. 1).
    Use of tobacco products, which is facilitated by nicotine exposure 
and dependence, puts youth and young adults at greater risk for future 
health issues, such as coronary artery disease, cancer, and other known 
tobacco-related diseases (Refs. 1 and 4). Youth and

[[Page 12296]]

young adult tobacco product users, particularly cigarette smokers, also 
are at increased risk for future marijuana and illicit drug use, 
developmental and mental health disorders, reduced lung growth and 
impaired function, increased risk of asthma, and early abdominal aortic 
atherosclerosis (Ref. 1).
    Nicotine is highly addictive. The use of nicotine can lead to 
nicotine dependence, and makes quitting tobacco products very difficult 
(Ref. 1). Achieving tobacco cessation after nicotine addiction is a 
long and difficult process. Smokers may try quitting 30 or more times 
before succeeding (Ref. 7). According to data from the 2015 National 
Health Interview Survey, 68 percent of adult smokers in the United 
States wanted to quit smoking and 55.4 percent made at least one quit 
attempt in the past year; however, only 7.4 percent actually quit 
within the 6 to 12 months preceding the survey (Ref. 8).
1. The Appeal of Flavors Generally and in Tobacco Products Specifically
    Flavor is a multisensory perception consisting of taste, aroma, and 
chemesthetic (e.g., cooling, burning) sensations in the mouth and 
throat (Ref. 9). A robust body of literature in food consumer science 
demonstrates that flavors impact the appeal of consumable products 
(Refs. 10 and 11), and that flavor preferences drive food selection and 
vary across age groups (Refs. 12 and 13). Certain flavors are 
particularly appealing to children and youth; for example, youth have a 
heightened preference for sweet food tastes and greater rejection of 
bitter food tastes. These preferences generally diminish with age 
(Refs. 14 through 17). Flavor compounds, such as sugar, are used to 
enhance flavor or mask undesirable tastes (e.g., bitter) in food. (Ref. 
18).
    Research on the appeal of flavors in food informs the understanding 
of the appeal and the public health impact of flavors in tobacco 
products. In fact, many of the same compounds that are added to food 
are also added to tobacco products to enhance flavor or mask 
undesirable tastes (Refs. 19, 27, and 28). As with food products, 
flavors are added to tobacco products to, among other things, improve 
flavor and taste, such as by reducing the harshness, bitterness, and 
astringency of tobacco during inhalation (Refs. 19 and 20). Studies 
involving cigarettes have shown that the addition of sweet flavors 
increases the appeal of these products, especially to youth (Refs. 19 
to 21). In addition, the sensory qualities of menthol flavor produce an 
analgesic or ``cooling'' effect, which can reduce feelings of pain or 
discomfort (Refs. 22 and 23), or increase sensations of respiration 
ease (Refs. 22 through 26).
    Documents from the tobacco industry show that food flavors, such as 
fruit and candy, were used to attract new users, primarily youth (Ref. 
1). Laboratory research has confirmed that tobacco products contain 
flavor chemicals at the same level per serving as defined by the 
studies, or higher than, popular candy and drink products (Refs. 27 and 
28). Flavors in food products can trigger reward pathways in the brain 
and influence decision-making (Ref. 29). Flavors in tobacco products 
can also trigger reward pathways in the brain and additionally enhance 
the rewards of nicotine (Refs. 30 and 31).
2. Tobacco Product Use Patterns by Youth
    a. Overall tobacco product use. According to National Youth Tobacco 
Survey (NYTS) data, the current use of e-cigarettes among U.S. youth 
increased significantly between 2011 and 2015 (Ref. 32). While use 
dropped in 2016, e-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco 
product by youth (Refs. 33 and 34). Current use of waterpipes among 
U.S. youth increased significantly between 2011 and 2014, but declined 
in 2015 and 2016 (Ref. 33). The use of cigarettes, cigars, and 
smokeless tobacco has generally declined among youth in recent years, 
although these products remain popular among certain youth 
subpopulations (Refs. 1, 33, and 35).
    b. Use of tobacco products with flavors. Data regarding use of 
menthol cigarettes and non-cigarette tobacco products among youth from 
2013-2014 show widespread appeal of flavored tobacco products \2\ 
(Refs. 36 through 38). Results from the 2014 NYTS on flavored tobacco 
product use in the past 30 days among middle and high school students 
show that an estimated 3.26 million youth tobacco product users (12 
percent of all youth) reported using a flavored tobacco product in the 
past 30 days (Ref. 39). By product, an estimated 1.58 million reported 
using a flavored e-cigarette, 1.02 million reported using flavored 
waterpipe tobacco, 910,000 reported using flavored cigars, 900,000 
reported using menthol cigarettes, 690,000 reported using flavored 
smokeless tobacco (defined as chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, snus, or 
dissolvables), and 120,000 reported using flavored pipe tobacco (Ref. 
39). Among youth (12-17 years) who participated in the Population 
Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study in 2013-2014, 88.7 
percent of youth who have ever used (i.e., ever tried even one or two 
times) waterpipe tobacco, 81 percent of e-cigarette ever-users, and 
65.4 percent of cigar ever-users reported that the first product they 
used in these categories was flavored (Ref. 36). Similarly, 79.8 
percent of youth who reported being current tobacco product users in 
the PATH Study reported using a flavored tobacco product in the past 30 
days, including 89 percent of waterpipe users, 85.3 percent of e-
cigarette users, and 71.7 percent of cigar smokers (Ref. 36). Data 
regarding use of flavored little filtered cigars also demonstrate 
appeal to youth and young adults. For example, 2017 Monitoring the 
Future data show that among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students, 60 
percent of current little cigar users reported using flavored little 
cigars (Ref. 40). In addition, data from the PATH Study show that among 
current filtered cigar users, 79.3 percent of young adults aged 18-24 
years and 56.2 percent of adults aged 25 years and older report current 
flavored use (Ref. 37). Moreover, both youth and young adults 
identified flavors as a major reason for their e-cigarette use (Refs. 
36 through 38). In addition, youth consistently reported product 
flavoring as a reason for using waterpipes, cigars, and smokeless 
tobacco (including snus products) (Refs. 36 and 37).
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    \2\ For the purposes of this ANPRM, the terms ``flavored tobacco 
product'' and ``flavors in tobacco products'' are used 
interchangeably.
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    While the prevalence of cigarette smoking among youth generally has 
declined, rates of menthol smoking among youth remained stable between 
2004 and 2014 (Ref. 41). Youth and young adult smokers are 
disproportionately more likely to smoke menthol than nonmenthol 
cigarettes, as compared to older adult smokers; in 2014, 52.4 percent 
of youth smokers aged 12-17 years, 50.5 percent of young adult smokers 
aged 18-25 years, and 36.3 percent of adult smokers aged 26 years or 
older, reported smoking menthol cigarettes (Ref. 42). Multiple studies 
show a greater use of menthol cigarettes by younger smokers and less 
usage among older smokers (Refs. 42 through 45).
3. Flavors and Perceptions of Harm and Likelihood of Tobacco Product 
Use
    Perceptions about tobacco harm (i.e., beliefs about the health 
risks of tobacco) can influence tobacco product use behavior as 
research suggests that adolescents who perceive lower harms from using 
tobacco products are more likely to initiate use (Ref. 46). Two 
systematic reviews report findings from studies assessing participants'

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(including youth, young adults, and adults) harm perceptions of 
flavored tobacco products. Some findings show that each age group 
perceived flavored tobacco products as less harmful than unflavored 
products (Refs. 47 and 48).
4. Flavors and Progression to Regular Use
    The association between initiation with flavored tobacco products 
and current tobacco product use was examined in Wave 1 of the PATH 
Study data, which indicated that 81 percent of youth (12-17 years of 
age) and 86 percent of young adult (18-24 years of age) ever tobacco 
users (i.e., those who have used a tobacco product even once or twice 
in their lifetimes) reported that the first tobacco product they used 
was flavored, compared to 54 percent of adults aged 25 years and older 
(Ref. 37). Controlling for other factors associated with tobacco 
product use, youth ever tobacco users who reported their first tobacco 
product was flavored had a 13 percent higher prevalence of current 
tobacco product use compared to youth whose first product was not 
flavored. Adult ever users reporting that the first tobacco product 
they used was flavored had a 32 percent higher prevalence of current 
established tobacco product use (Ref. 37).
    In addition, a longitudinal examination of youth indicated that 
youth who initiate smoking with menthol cigarettes may be at greater 
risk for progression from experimentation to established smoking and 
nicotine dependence than youth who initiate with nonmenthol cigarettes 
(Ref. 49).
5. Youth and Young Adult Flavor Preferences
    As mentioned in section I.C.1. of this document, youth generally 
prefer sweet flavors (Refs. 14 through 17). Researchers reviewed the 
flavor chemicals and levels in several brands of candy and Kool-Aid 
drink mix and concluded that the chemicals used in these products 
largely overlapped with those in similarly labeled ``cherry,'' 
``grape,'' ``apple,'' ``peach,'' and ``berry'' tobacco products (Ref. 
27).
    Results from studies show that flavored e-cigarettes appeal to 
youth and young adults; however, these data may not reflect the flavor 
preferences among all U.S. youth and adults. In a survey conducted in 
four high schools and two middle schools in Connecticut in 2013, 70.7 
percent of the lifetime e-cigarette users (adolescents who had tried an 
e-cigarette) interviewed reported having used sweet flavors and 22.1 
percent reported having used menthol-flavored e-cigarettes. In terms of 
preferred flavors, 56.8 percent reported preferring sweet flavors, 
while 8.7 percent preferred menthol e-cigarettes (Ref. 50). Additional 
results from the same research found that the top three reasons for e-
cigarette experimentation among ever e-cigarette users, regardless of 
cigarette smoking status and school level, were curiosity (54.4 
percent), the availability of appealing flavors (43.8 percent), and 
friends' influence (31.6 percent) (Ref. 51). Another cross-sectional 
study, in which 1,567 young adults (18-34 years) were recruited through 
Facebook ads, reported that the most commonly used flavors among 
current e-cigarette users were fruit (66.9 percent), candy (35.1 
percent), and caramel/vanilla/chocolate/cream (33.3 percent) (Ref. 38). 
E-cigarette flavor preferences also varied by cigarette smoking status 
with former or never cigarette smokers preferring flavors more 
frequently than current cigarette smokers (Ref. 38).
    Qualitative findings reveal differences in e-cigarette flavor 
preferences as well. Research from a 2016 laboratory study of young 
adult cigarette smokers who used e-cigarettes for the study reported 
fruit flavored (green apple) and dessert flavored (chocolate) e-
cigarettes were more satisfying and rewarding than unflavored e-
cigarettes (Ref. 52). Furthermore, participants puffed flavored e-
cigarettes approximately 40 times compared with approximately 23 times 
for unflavored e-cigarettes (Ref. 52). Similarly, other research has 
shown that sweet-flavored e-cigarettes produce higher appeal ratings 
among youth than non-sweet and flavorless e-cigarettes (Ref. 53).
    For cigars/cigarillos/little cigars, waterpipe, and smokeless 
tobacco products, limited evidence exists that differentiates types of 
flavors preferred (e.g., menthol, fruit) among young adults. Among 
young adults (18-24 years of age), the 2013-2014 National Adult Tobacco 
Survey (NATS) reported the top three flavor types used by product. 
Young adult flavored smokeless tobacco product users reported using 
menthol/mint (80.6 percent), fruit (13.9 percent), and clove/spice/herb 
(7.7 percent) (Ref. 54). Young adult flavored waterpipe users reported 
using fruit (73.5 percent), menthol/mint (18 percent), and candy/
chocolate/other sweet (17.3 percent). Young adult flavored cigar/
cigarillo/little cigar users reported using fruit (61.4 percent), 
alcohol (21.9 percent), and candy/chocolate/other sweet (20.8 percent) 
(Ref. 54).
6. Adults' Use of Flavors in Tobacco Products
    Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of the PATH Study (Ref. 37) 
indicate that adult (25 years or older) established tobacco product 
users also often use flavored products (44.8 percent). Specifically, 
35.6 percent of cigarette smokers (menthol), 63.2 percent of ENDS 
users, 47.8 percent of cigar smokers, 68.7 percent of waterpipe users, 
and 48.7 percent of smokeless tobacco product users reported use of 
flavored products at Wave 1 (2013-2014). Among established users of 
cigarettes and other tobacco products (polyusers), 68.9 percent use at 
least one flavored product.
    The 2013-2014 NATS study data (among adults aged 18 years or older) 
suggested that the tendency to use flavored e-cigarettes and flavored 
cigars differed by cigarette smoking status. Never cigarette smokers 
tended to use flavored e-cigarettes more than other groups. 
Specifically, findings indicated that, among users of non-cigarette 
tobacco products, never-cigarette smokers had the highest proportion of 
flavored e-cigarette use (84.8 percent), followed by 78.1 percent of 
recent quitters and 63.2 percent of current cigarette smokers. The 
study also indicated, among users of non-cigarette tobacco products, 
that 43.8 percent of current cigarette smokers reported smoking 
flavored cigars, with 30.8 percent of never smokers and 38.9 percent of 
recent former smokers reporting smoking flavored cigars (Ref. 54). The 
2013-2014 NATS study also reported flavor types used by product among 
adults aged 18 and over. Users of flavored smokeless tobacco reported 
using menthol/mint (76.9 percent), clove/spice/herb (12.3 percent), 
fruit (10.8 percent), and candy/chocolate/other sweet (4.5 percent) 
(Ref. 54). Flavored waterpipe users reported using fruit (74 percent), 
menthol/mint (18.9 percent), candy/chocolate/other sweet (17.4 
percent), clove/spice/herb (4.3 percent), alcohol (3.2 percent), and 
other flavored (3 percent). Flavored e-cigarette users reported using 
fruit (44.9 percent), menthol/mint (43.9 percent), candy/chocolate/
other sweet (25.7 percent), clove/spice/herb (7 percent), other 
flavored (6.1 percent), and alcohol flavors (4 percent) (Ref. 54). 
Flavored cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar users reported using fruit 
(52.4 percent), candy/chocolate/other sweet (22 percent), alcohol (14.5 
percent), menthol/mint (12.9 percent), clove/spice/herb (8.1 percent) 
and other flavors (2.9 percent). Flavored pipe smokers reported using 
fruit (56.6

[[Page 12298]]

percent), candy/chocolate/other sweet (26.5 percent), and menthol/mint 
(24.8 percent) (Ref. 54).
    Among adult e-cigarette users, a study with experienced exclusive 
e-cigarette and dual (e-cigarette and cigarette) users (aged 18 years 
or older) found that bitterness and harshness are negatively associated 
with liking e-cigarettes, while sweetness and ``coolness'' are 
positively associated with liking them (Ref. 55). In addition, 
sweetness appeared to have a greater impact than coolness on liking 
(Ref. 55).
7. Flavors May Contain or Form Toxic Compounds
    Evidence exists regarding the toxicity of flavors, specifically 
certain ingredients in those flavors that have been used in tobacco 
products. Of particular concern for combusted or heated tobacco 
products is that toxicity also may result from the chemicals formed 
when flavors are heated or burned (Refs. 56 through 60). Diacetyl and 
acetyl propionyl, which are flavor ingredients that have been found in 
e-liquids, are highly irritating volatile organic compounds (Refs. 56 
and 60). There is scientific evidence showing a link between repeated 
inhalation exposures to these flavor ingredients and adverse 
respiratory health outcomes in humans (Ref. 60). Finally, we note that 
certain substances may be authorized as a food additive or may be 
considered ``generally recognized as safe'' (GRAS) for certain uses in 
food. However, being authorized as a food additive or being considered 
GRAS, in and of itself, does not mean that the substances are safe when 
used in a tobacco product. The food additive approval or GRAS status of 
a substance applies only to specific intended uses in food, and are not 
supported by studies that account for inhalation toxicity. Importantly, 
exposure to chemicals via the inhalation route can have very different 
effects from oral exposure, and most tobacco products are inhaled (Ref. 
61). For example, direct ``portal of entry'' effects to the respiratory 
tract, which is relatively more sensitive than the gastrointestinal 
tract, can occur upon inhalation exposure. There are also important 
metabolic differences between the two routes of exposure: After oral 
ingestion, a substance can be detoxified through ``first-pass 
metabolism'' in the liver before reaching systemic circulation. By 
contrast, substances introduced into the body via inhalation go 
directly into systemic circulation without the same potential for 
detoxification (Ref. 61).

D. The Potential Role of Flavors in Facilitating Transition From 
Cigarettes to Tobacco Products That May Pose Less Risk

    FDA also is aware of self-reported information suggesting that the 
availability of flavors in some noncombusted tobacco products (e.g., 
ENDS) may help some adult users decrease their cigarette use and 
transition away from combusted products to potentially less harmful 
products (Refs. 62 and 63). Reports from a focus group of eleven e-
cigarette users, nine of whom switched to e-cigarettes from smoking a 
half-pack per day or more of cigarettes, suggest that the ability of 
consumers to personalize their e-liquids by mixing and matching flavors 
could contribute to e-cigarette appeal among cigarette smokers (Ref. 
62). In one survey using an online convenience sample (i.e., self-
selected respondents recruited from online vape forums), respondents 
indicated that flavor variety was ``very important'' in reducing or 
quitting smoking (Ref. 63). Almost half of the respondents in that 
survey indicated that a reduction in available flavors would ``increase 
craving[s] for tobacco cigarettes and would make reducing or completely 
substituting smoking less likely'' (Ref. 63).
    The issues surrounding the use of flavors in tobacco products 
involve various considerations. While data show significant youth 
appeal and continued growth in youth and young adult use of flavored 
tobacco products, which can lead to lifelong tobacco product use, self-
reported information from a study (Ref. 63) shows that some flavors in 
ENDS may play a positive role in helping some adults transition away 
from cigarettes to potentially less harmful products. In addition, we 
note that, currently, no ENDS have been approved as effective cessation 
aids. In the preamble to the deeming rule, FDA discussed the evidence 
available to date, and found that some systematic reviews found 
insufficient data to draw a conclusion about the efficacy of e-
cigarettes as cessation aids (81 FR 28973 at 29037). A recent 
systematic review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, 
and Medicine found ``limited evidence that e-cigarettes may be 
effective aids to promote smoking cessation,'' and that ``there is 
moderate evidence from observational studies that more frequent use of 
e-cigarettes is associated with increased likelihood of cessation,'' 
thus, the evidence remains inconclusive (Ref. 64).

II. Requests for Comments and Information

    FDA is seeking comments (including comments on this document and 
the data presented), data, research results, and other information 
related to the following topics. Please explain your responses and 
provide any evidence or other information supporting them.
     For the purposes of the questions in this ANPRM, when 
seeking comments, data, research results, and other information on 
``flavors,'' FDA is seeking information relating to the following (as 
applicable): (1) Artificial or natural flavor additives, compounds, 
constituents, or ingredients or any other flavoring ingredient in a 
tobacco product, including its components or parts; (2) the 
multisensory experience of a flavor during use of tobacco products; (3) 
flavor representations (including descriptors), either explicit or 
implicit, in or on the labeling, advertising, and packaging of tobacco 
products; and (4) any other means that impart flavor or represent that 
tobacco products are flavored. The foregoing is intended only to 
provide guidance to commenters and is not intended to limit or restrict 
the information they may submit. Additionally, for purposes of the 
questions in the ANPRM:
     ``Youth'' means under age 18; and
     ``Young adult'' means ages 18 through 24.
    FDA intends to use the information submitted in response to this 
Federal Register document, its independent scientific knowledge, and 
other appropriate information to inform regulatory actions FDA might 
take with respect to flavors in tobacco products. When submitting 
information, provide evidence by product class (e.g., cigarettes, 
cigars, pipes) for each topic, when available. If it exists, discuss 
the influence of flavors by flavor type/category (e.g., fruit, candy, 
menthol) for each topic. Also, provide information regarding any 
positive or negative effects that may result from a regulatory action 
FDA might take with respect to flavors in tobacco products, including, 
but not limited to, health implications and economic impacts. We ask 
that commenters clearly identify the section and question number 
associated with their responsive comments and information.

A. The Role of Flavors (Other Than Tobacco) in Tobacco Products

    1. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) generally in tobacco products. If the response 
relies on research in other areas (e.g., consumer products),

[[Page 12299]]

discuss the appropriateness of extrapolating from such research to 
tobacco products.

B. Flavors (Other Than Tobacco) and Initiation and Patterns of Tobacco 
Product Use, Particularly Among Youth and Young Adults

    2. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in initiation and/or patterns of use of combusted 
tobacco products, particularly among youth and young adults.
    3. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in initiation and/or patterns of use of 
noncombusted tobacco products, particularly among youth and young 
adults.
    4. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in noncombusted tobacco products on initiation of 
tobacco product use or progression to use of other tobacco products 
(for example, from noncombusted to combusted tobacco products), 
particularly among youth and young adults.

C. Flavors (Other Than Tobacco) and Cessation, Dual Use, and Relapse 
Among Current and Former Tobacco Product Users

    5. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in helping adult cigarette smokers reduce 
cigarette use and/or switch to potentially less harmful tobacco 
products.
    6. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in noncombusted tobacco products on the likelihood 
of: (1) Cessation of combusted tobacco products use, (2) cessation of 
all tobacco product use, and (3) uptake of dual use of combusted and 
noncombusted tobacco products among current and former tobacco product 
users. Include information from, and define, all populations: Youth, 
young adults, and adults (and any subgroup thereof, if applicable).
    7. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in noncombusted products on the likelihood of: (1) 
Delayed or impeded cessation among users who would have otherwise quit 
combusted tobacco product use, or (2) delayed or impeded cessation 
among users who would have otherwise quit all tobacco product use. 
Include information from, and define, all populations: Youth, young 
adults, and adults (and any subgroup thereof, if applicable).
    8. Provide studies or information regarding the role of flavors 
(other than tobacco) in noncombusted tobacco products on the likelihood 
that former combusted tobacco product users relapse. Include 
information from, and define, all populations: Youth, young adults, and 
adults (and any subgroup thereof, if applicable).

D. Additional Public Health Considerations

    9. Provide studies or information regarding the potential toxicity 
or adverse health effects to the user or others from any flavors (e.g., 
flavor additives, compounds, or ingredients) in tobacco products. These 
adverse health outcomes may include, but are not limited to, cancer or 
adverse respiratory, cardiac, or reproductive/development effects. Of 
particular interest are studies or information on inhalation exposure 
to any flavor. Provide studies or information on what, if any, toxic 
chemicals might be formed from the heating or burning of tobacco 
products with flavors and the potential toxicity or health risks that 
might result from these formed chemicals.
    10. Provide studies or information on the impact, whether intended 
or unintended, of public health efforts by local jurisdictions, States, 
and members of the international community to impose restrictions on 
the manufacture, marketing, sale or distribution of all or a subset of 
tobacco products with flavors (other than tobacco), including but not 
limited to cigars, ENDS, menthol cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco 
products.
    11. Provide studies or information regarding consumer perceptions 
of the health risks of tobacco products with flavors (other than 
tobacco) when compared to other tobacco products, both with and without 
flavors. Include information from, and define, all populations: Youth, 
young adults, and adults (and any subgroup thereof, if applicable).
    12. Provide studies or information regarding consumer perceptions, 
if any, of the addictiveness of tobacco products with flavors (other 
than tobacco). Include information from, and define, all populations: 
Youth, young adults, and adults (and any subgroup thereof, if 
applicable).

E. Tobacco Product Standards

    13. All Flavors:
    a. Are there any specific flavors for which FDA should establish a 
tobacco product standard? If so, which flavors (e.g., flavor additives, 
compounds, or ingredients) and why?
    b. With respect to your response to the previous question, what 
level (e.g., maximum, minimum, prohibition) should FDA establish to 
protect the public health, and why?
    14. If FDA were to establish a tobacco product standard prohibiting 
or restricting flavors, to which types of tobacco products should the 
standard apply (e.g., combusted, noncombusted, both), and why?
    15. Menthol Flavor:
    a. FDA has carefully reviewed the data it received in response to 
the 2013 ANPRM on menthol in cigarettes (78 FR 44484, July 24, 2013). 
Provide any additional data or information about the role of menthol in 
cigarettes, particularly regarding the role menthol plays in smoking 
initiation and in the likelihood of smoking cessation for all 
populations (youth, young adult, adult).
    b. What additional evidence exists on the likelihood that smokers 
would completely switch to another tobacco product, or start dual use 
with another product, in the event of a tobacco product standard 
prohibiting or limiting menthol in cigarettes?
    c. What is the role, if any, that menthol plays in use of tobacco 
products other than cigarettes, including, but not limited to, cigars 
and ENDS?

F. Sale or Distribution Restrictions

    16. FDA may consider restrictions on the sale and distribution of 
flavored tobacco products. Possible restrictions could include 
restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco products with 
flavors; on access to tobacco products with flavors; and/or on the 
label, labeling, and/or packaging of tobacco products with flavors. 
These restrictions could include requirements to bear warnings or 
disclosure statements. What such restrictions, if any, should FDA 
consider and why?

G. Other Actions and Considerations

    17. To the extent that flavors may pose both (1) potential benefits 
to adult smokers who might consider switching to a noncombusted 
flavored tobacco product with lower individual risk and (2) potential 
risks to nonusers who might initiate use of tobacco products through 
flavored tobacco products or to current users who might progress to 
flavored tobacco products with higher individual risks, how should FDA 
assess and balance these benefits and risks?
    18. Provide studies or information on the role of tobacco flavor in 
tobacco products in initiation, patterns of use of tobacco products 
(particularly with respect to progression from non-combusted to 
combusted tobacco products or from combusted to non-combusted), 
reduction in use of

[[Page 12300]]

combustible tobacco products and cessation of tobacco products. Include 
information from, and define, all populations: Youth, young adults, and 
adults (and any subgroup thereof, if applicable).
    19. Provide information on whether manufacturing process(es) affect 
product flavor. Describe any such manufacturing process(es), including 
the specific products that use the process(es), as well as specific 
flavors used in the process(es).
    20. Provide analyses regarding any other tobacco product standard, 
regulatory action, or other action that FDA could implement that you 
believe would more effectively reduce the harms caused by flavors in 
tobacco products to better protect the public health than the tobacco 
product standards or other regulatory actions discussed in the 
preceding questions.
    21. Discuss any other tobacco product standard, regulatory action, 
or other activity that FDA could pursue that would complement or 
increase the effectiveness of the potential tobacco product standards 
or other regulatory actions discussed in the preceding questions.
    22. Are there any flavors that especially appeal to youth, young 
adults, or other specific age group? If so, how are such flavors 
distinguished from other flavors?
    23. To the extent that you have identified a tobacco product 
standard or other regulatory action in response to the prior questions, 
provide additional information and comments on: (1) The technical 
achievability of compliance with the tobacco product standard or other 
regulatory action you identified; and (2) how FDA could maximize 
compliance and public health benefits.
    24. If FDA were to establish a tobacco product standard prohibiting 
or restricting flavors in tobacco products, what evidence is there, if 
any, that consumers would start to flavor their own tobacco products?
    25. What data may be used to assess and analyze the range and 
variety of flavored tobacco products that are currently available to 
consumers? How can available sources of information, such as 
manufacturer registrations and/or product listings with FDA, be used in 
this assessment?

III. References

    The following references are on display in the Dockets Management 
Staff (see ADDRESSES) and are available for viewing by interested 
persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; they are also 
available electronically at https://www.regulations.gov. FDA has 
verified the website addresses, as of the date this document publishes 
in the Federal Register, but websites are subject to change over time.

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ``Preventing 
Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon 
General, 2012.''
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ``E-cigarette Use 
Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General, 
2016.''
3. Courtemanche, C.J., M.K. Palmer, and M.F. Pesko, ``Influence of 
the Flavored Cigarette Ban on Adolescent Tobacco Use,'' American 
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4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ``The Health 
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Smoking and Smoking Abstinence on Cognition in Adolescent Tobacco 
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on Prefrontal Attentional Network Function in Young Adult Brains,'' 
Psychopharmacology (Berl), 191(1):159-169, 2007.
7. Chaiton, M., L. Diemert, J.E. Cohen, et al., ``Estimating the 
Number of Quit Attempts It Takes to Quit Smoking Successfully in a 
Longitudinal Cohort of Smokers,'' BMJ Open, 6(6):e011045, 2016.
8. Babb, S., A. Malarcher, G. Schauer, et al., ``Quitting Smoking 
Among Adults--United States, 2000-2015,'' Morbidity and Mortality 
Weekly Report, 65(52):1457-1464, 2017.
9. Small, D.M. and B.G. Green, ``A Proposed Model of a Flavor 
Modality.'' In: M.M. Murray and M.T. Wallace, M.T. (Eds.), The 
Neural Bases of Multisensory Processes, Chapter 36. Boca Raton FL: 
CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2012.
10. Piqueras-Fiszman, B. and C. Spence (Eds.), Multisensory Flavor 
Perception: From Fundamental Neuroscience Through to the 
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11. Eti[eacute]vant, P., E. Guichard, C. Salles, et al., (Eds.), 
Flavor: From Food to Behaviors, Wellbeing and Health. Philadelphia: 
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13. Cowart, B., G. Beauchamp, and J. Mennella, ``Development of 
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Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, pp.1899-1907. Philadelphia: Elsevier 
Saunders, 2011.
14. Mennella, J.A., M.Y. Pepino, and D.R. Reed, ``Genetic and 
Environmental Determinants of Bitter Perception and Sweet 
Preferences,'' Pediatrics, 115(2):e216-e222, 2005.
15. Desor, J.A. and G.K. Beauchamp, ``Longitudinal Changes in Sweet 
Preferences in Humans,'' Physiology and Behavior, 39(5):639-641, 
1987.
16. Enns, M.P., T.B. Van Itallie, and J.A. Grinker, ``Contributions 
of Age, Sex and Degree of Fatness on Preferences and Magnitude 
Estimations for Sucrose in Humans,'' Physiology and Behavior, 
22(5):999-1003, 1979.
17. De Graaf, C. and E.H. Zandstra, ``Sweetness Intensity and 
Pleasantness in Children, Adolescents, and Adults,'' Physiology and 
Behavior, 67(4):513-520, 1999.
18. Hayes, J.E. and S. Johnson, ``Sensory Aspects of Bitter and 
Sweet Tastes During Early Childhood,'' Nutrition Today, 52(2):S41-
S51, 2017.
19. Carpenter, C.M., G.F. Wayne, J.L. Pauly, et al., ``New Cigarette 
Brands With Flavors That Appeal to Youth: Tobacco Marketing 
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20. Cummings, K.M., C.P. Morley, J.K. Horan, et al., ``Marketing to 
America's Youth: Evidence From Corporate Documents,'' Tobacco 
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21. Manning, K.C., K.J. Kelly, and M.L. Comello, ``Flavoured 
Cigarettes, Sensation Seeking and Adolescents' Perceptions of 
Cigarette Brands,'' Tobacco Control, 18(6):459-465, 2009.
22. Harris, B., ``Menthol: A Review of Its Thermoreceptor 
Interactions and Their Therapeutic Applications,'' International 
Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3-4):117-131, 2006.
23. Galeotti, N., L. Di Cesare Mannelli, G. Mazzanti, et al., 
``Menthol: A Natural Analgesic Compound,'' Neuroscience Letters, 
322(3):145-148, 2002.
24. Nishino, T., Y. Tagaito, and Y. Sakurai, ``Nasal Inhalation of 
L-Menthol Reduces Respiratory Discomfort Associated With Loaded 
Breathing,'' American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care 
Medicine, 156(1):309-313, 1997.
25. Lawrence, D., B. Cadman, and A.C. Hoffman, ``Sensory Properties 
of Menthol and Smoking Topography,'' Tobacco Induced Diseases, 9 
Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S3, 2011.
26. Garten, S. and R.V. Falkner, ``Continual Smoking of Mentholated 
Cigarettes May Mask the Early Warning Symptoms of Respiratory 
Disease,'' Preventive Medicine, 37(4):291-296, 2003.
27. Brown, J.E., W. Luo, L.M. Isabelle, et al., ``Candy Flavorings 
in Tobacco,'' New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23):2250-2252, 
2014.
28. Chen, C., L.M. Isabelle, W.B. Pickworth, et al., ``Levels of 
Mint and Wintergreen Flavorants: Smokeless Tobacco Products vs. 
Confectionery Products,'' Food and Chemical Toxicology: An 
International Journal Published for the British Industrial 
Biological Research Association, 48(2):755-763, 2010.
29. Rolls, E.T., ``Flavor: Brain Processing.'' In: P. Etievant, E. 
Guichard, C. Salles, et al., (Eds.), Flavor: From Food to Behaviors, 
Wellbeing and Health, pp. 143-160. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science, 
2016.
30. Touzani, K., R.J. Bodnar, and A. Sclafani, ``Neuropharmacology 
of Learned Flavor

[[Page 12301]]

Preferences,'' Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 97(1):55-
62, 2010.
31. Palmatier, M.I., J.E. Lantz, L.C. O'Brien, and S.P. Metz, 
``Effects of Nicotine on Olfactogustatory Incentives: Preference, 
Palatability, and Operant Choice Tests,'' Nicotine & Tobacco 
Research, 15(9):1545-1554, 2013.
32. Singh, T., R.A. Arrazola, C.G. Corey, et al., ``Tobacco Use 
Among Middle and High School Students--United States, 2011-2015,'' 
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 65(14):361-367, 2016.
33. Jamal, A., A. Gentzke, S.S. Hu, et al., ``Tobacco Use Among 
Middle and High School Students--United States, 2011-2016,'' 
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66(23):597-603, 2017.
34. Miech, R.A., L.D. Johnston, P.M. O'Malley, et al., Monitoring 
the Future, National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975-2016: 
Overview, Key Findings on Adolescent Drug Use. Ann Arbor: Institute 
for Social Research, The University of Michigan, 2017.
35. Couch, E.T., E. Darius, M.M. Walsh, et al., ``Smokeless Tobacco 
Decision-Making Among Rural Adolescent Males in California,'' 
Journal of Community Health, 42(3):544-550, 2017.
36. Ambrose, B.K., H.R. Day, B. Rostron, et al., ``Flavored Tobacco 
Product Use Among US Youth Aged 12-17 Years, 2013-2014,'' Journal of 
the American Medical Association, 314(17):1871-1873, 2015.
37. Villanti, A.C., A.L. Johnson, B.K. Ambrose, et al., ``Flavored 
Tobacco Product Use in Youth and Adults: Findings From the First 
Wave of the PATH Study (2013-2014),'' American Journal of Preventive 
Medicine, 53(2):139-151, 2017.
38. Berg, C.J., ``Preferred Flavors and Reasons for E-cigarette Use 
and Discontinued Use Among Never, Current, and Former Smokers,'' 
International Journal of Public Health, 61(2):225-236, 2016.
39. Corey, C.G., B.K. Ambrose, B.J. Apelberg, et al., ``Flavored 
Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students--United 
States, 2014,'' Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 64(38):1066-
1070, 2015.
40. Miech, R.A., J. E. Schulenburg, L.D. Johnston, et al., 
``National Adolescent Drug Trends in 2017: Findings Released.'' 
Monitoring the Future: Ann Arbor, MI, 2017, available at http://www.monitoringthefuture.org.
41. Villanti, A.C., P.D. Mowery, C.D. Delnevo, et al., ``Changes in 
the Prevalence and Correlates of Menthol Cigarette Use in the USA, 
2004-2014,'' Tobacco Control, 25(Suppl 2):ii14-ii20, 2016.
42. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 
``Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: Results from the 
2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,'' available at https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FRR1-2014/NSDUH-FRR1-2014.pdf.
43. Food and Drug Administration, ``Preliminary Scientific 
Evaluation of the Possible Public Health Effects of Menthol Versus 
Nonmenthol Cigarettes,'' 2013.
44. Fernander, A., M.K. Rayens, M. Zhang, et al., ``Are Age of 
Smoking Initiation and Purchasing Patterns Associated With Menthol 
Smoking?'' Addiction, 105 Suppl 1(s1):39-45, 2010.
45. Hersey, J.C., SW Ng, J.M. Nonnemaker, et al., ``Are Menthol 
Cigarettes a Starter Product for Youth?'' Nicotine & Tobacco 
Research, 8(3):403-413, 2006.
46. Song, A.V., H.E. Morrell, J.L. Cornell, et al., ``Perceptions of 
Smoking-Related Risks and Benefits as Predictors of Adolescent 
Smoking Initiation,'' American Journal of Public Health, 99(3):487-
492, 2009.
47. Huang, L.-L., H.M. Baker, C. Meernik, et al., ``Impact of Non-
menthol Flavours in Tobacco Products on Perceptions and Use Among 
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48. Kowitt, S.D., C. Meernik, H.M. Baker, et al., ``Perceptions and 
Experiences With Flavored Non-Menthol Tobacco Products: A Systematic 
Review of Qualitative Studies,'' International Journal of 
Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(4):338, 2017.
49. Nonnemaker, J., J. Hersey, G. Homsi, et al., ``Initiation With 
Menthol Cigarettes and Youth Smoking Uptake,'' Addiction, 
108(1):171-178, 2013.
50. Krishnan-Sarin, S., M.E. Morean, D.R. Camenga, et al., ``E-
cigarette Use Among High School and Middle School Adolescents in 
Connecticut,'' Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 17(7):810-818, 2015.
51. Kong, G., M. E. Morean, D. A. Cavallo, et al., ``Reasons for 
Electronic Cigarette Experimentation and Discontinuation among 
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Jul;17(7):847-54.
52. Audrain-McGovern, J., A.A. Strasser, and E.P. Wileyto, ``The 
Impact of Flavoring on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Value of E-
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Alcohol Dependence, 166:263-267, 2016.
53. Goldenson, N.I., M.G. Kirkpatrick, J.L. Barrington-Trimis, et 
al., ``Effects of Sweet Flavorings and Nicotine on the Appeal and 
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Application of a Novel Methodology,'' Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 
168:176-180, 2016.
54. Bonhomme, M.G., E. Holder-Hayes, B.K. Ambrose, et al., 
``Flavoured Non-Cigarette Tobacco Product Use Among US Adults: 2013-
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55. Kim, H., J. Lim, S.S. Buehler, et al., ``Role of Sweet and Other 
Flavours in Liking and Disliking of Electronic Cigarettes,'' Tobacco 
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56. Allen, J.G., S.S. Flanigan, M. LeBlanc, et al., ``Flavoring 
Chemicals in E-cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2, 3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin 
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124(6):733-739, 2016.
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Chemicals in Electronic Cigarette Fluids,'' Tobacco Control, 
25(e1):e10-e15, 2016.
59. Farsalinos, K.E., K.A. Kistler, G. Gillman, et al., ``Evaluation 
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62. Barbeau, A.M., J. Burda, and M. Siegel, ``Perceived Efficacy of 
E-cigarettes Versus Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Successful E-
cigarette Users: A Qualitative Approach,'' Addiction Science & 
Clinical Practice, 8(1):5, 2013.
63. Farsalinos, K.E., G. Romagna, D. Tsiapras, et al., ``Impact of 
Flavour Variability on Electronic Cigarette Use Experience: An 
Internet Survey,'' International Journal of Environmental Research 
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64. Stratton, K., Y. Kwan, and D. L. Eaton (Eds.), Public Health 
Consequences of E-Cigarettes, National Academies of Sciences, 
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Press, 2018. Doi: https://doi.org/10.17226/24952 (prepublication 
copy.)

    Dated: March 15, 2018.
Leslie Kux,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-05655 Filed 3-20-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P



                                                  12294                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  on ‘‘Postmarket Safety Reporting for                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND                              including attachments, to https://
                                                  Combination Products.’’ It does not                     HUMAN SERVICES                                        www.regulations.gov will be posted to
                                                  establish any rights for any person and                                                                       the docket unchanged. Because your
                                                  is not binding on FDA or the public.                    Food and Drug Administration                          comment will be made public, you are
                                                  You can use an alternative approach if                                                                        solely responsible for ensuring that your
                                                  it satisfies the requirements of the                    21 CFR Parts 1100, 1140, and 1143                     comment does not include any
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                                                                                                                                                                confidential information that you or a
                                                  guidance is not subject to Executive                                                                          third party may not wish to be posted,
                                                                                                          RIN 0910–AH60                                         such as medical information, your or
                                                  Order 12866.
                                                                                                                                                                anyone else’s Social Security number, or
                                                  IV. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995                     Regulation of Flavors in Tobacco                      confidential business information, such
                                                                                                          Products                                              as a manufacturing process. Please note
                                                    This guidance refers to previously                                                                          that if you include your name, contact
                                                                                                          AGENCY:    Food and Drug Administration,
                                                  approved collections of information                                                                           information, or other information that
                                                                                                          HHS.
                                                  found in FDA regulations. These                                                                               identifies you in the body of your
                                                  collections of information are subject to               ACTION:Advance notice of proposed
                                                                                                                                                                comments, that information will be
                                                                                                          rulemaking.
                                                  review by the Office of Management and                                                                        posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
                                                  Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork                        SUMMARY:    The Food and Drug                           • If you want to submit a comment
                                                  Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–                  Administration (FDA) is issuing this                  with confidential information that you
                                                  3520). The collections of information in                advance notice of proposed rulemaking                 do not wish to be made available to the
                                                  21 CFR 314.80(c) and (e), as well as for                (ANPRM) to obtain information related                 public, submit the comment as a
                                                  21 CFR 314.81(b) are approved under                     to the role that flavors play in tobacco              written/paper submission and in the
                                                  OMB control numbers 0910–0001,                          products. Specifically, this ANPRM is                 manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper
                                                  0910–0230, and 0910–0291. The                           seeking comments, data, research                      Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).
                                                  information collection provisions for 21                results, or other information about,                  Written/Paper Submissions
                                                  CFR 600.80 and 600.81 are approved                      among other things, how flavors attract
                                                                                                                                                                   Submit written/paper submissions as
                                                  under OMB control number 0910–0308.                     youth to initiate tobacco product use
                                                                                                                                                                follows:
                                                  Those for 21 CFR 606.170 are approved                   and about whether and how certain                        • Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for
                                                  under OMB control number 0910–0116.                     flavors may help adult cigarette smokers              written/paper submissions): Dockets
                                                  Those for 21 CFR 606.171 are approved                   reduce cigarette use and switch to                    Management Staff (HFA–305), Food and
                                                  under OMB control number 0910–0458.                     potentially less harmful products. FDA                Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers
                                                  The information collection provisions                   is seeking this information to inform                 Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
                                                  for 21 CFR 803.50, 803.53, and 803.56                   regulatory actions FDA might take with                   • For written/paper comments
                                                                                                          respect to tobacco products with flavors,             submitted to the Dockets Management
                                                  are approved under OMB control
                                                                                                          under the Federal Food, Drug, and                     Staff, FDA will post your comment, as
                                                  numbers 0910–0291 and 0910–0437.
                                                                                                          Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended                   well as any attachments, except for
                                                  The information collection provisions
                                                                                                          by the Family Smoking Prevention and                  information submitted, marked and
                                                  for 21 CFR 806.10 and 806.20 are                        Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control
                                                  approved under OMB control number                                                                             identified, as confidential, if submitted
                                                                                                          Act). Potential regulatory actions                    as detailed in ‘‘Instructions.’’
                                                  0910–0359. The information collection                   include, but are not limited to, tobacco
                                                  provisions for 21 CFR 4.102, 4.103, and                                                                          Instructions: All submissions received
                                                                                                          product standards and restrictions on                 must include the Docket No. FDA–
                                                  4.105 are approved under OMB control                    sale and distribution of tobacco                      2017–N–6565 for ‘‘Regulation of Flavors
                                                  number 0910–0834.                                       products with flavors.                                in Tobacco Products.’’ Received
                                                  V. Electronic Access                                    DATES: Submit either electronic or                    comments, those filed in a timely
                                                                                                          written comments by June 19, 2018.                    manner (see ADDRESSES), will be placed
                                                    Persons with access to the internet                   ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                    in the docket and, except for those
                                                  may obtain the draft guidance at either                 as follows. Please note that late,                    submitted as ‘‘Confidential
                                                  https://www.fda.gov/Combination                         untimely filed comments will not be                   Submissions,’’ publicly viewable at
                                                  Products/GuidanceRegulatory                             considered. Electronic comments must                  https://www.regulations.gov or at the
                                                  Information/ucm109110.htm or https://                   be submitted on or before June 19, 2018.              Dockets Management Staff between 9
                                                  www.regulations.gov.                                    The https://www.regulations.gov                       a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
                                                    Dated: March 15, 2018.                                electronic filing system will accept                  Friday.
                                                                                                          comments until midnight Eastern Time                     • Confidential Submissions—To
                                                  Leslie Kux,                                                                                                   submit a comment with confidential
                                                                                                          at the end of June 19, 2018. Comments
                                                  Associate Commissioner for Policy.                      received by mail/hand delivery/courier                information that you do not wish to be
                                                  [FR Doc. 2018–05687 Filed 3–20–18; 8:45 am]             (for written/paper submissions) will be               made publicly available, submit your
                                                  BILLING CODE 4164–01–P                                  considered timely if they are                         comments only as a written/paper
                                                                                                          postmarked or the delivery service                    submission. You should submit two
                                                                                                          acceptance receipt is on or before that               copies total. One copy will include the
                                                                                                          date.                                                 information you claim to be confidential
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                                                                with a heading or cover note that states
                                                                                                          Electronic Submissions                                ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
                                                                                                            Submit electronic comments in the                   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The
                                                                                                          following way:                                        Agency will review this copy, including
                                                                                                            • Federal eRulemaking Portal:                       the claimed confidential information, in
                                                                                                          https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the               its consideration of comments. The
                                                                                                          instructions for submitting comments.                 second copy, which will have the
                                                                                                          Comments submitted electronically,                    claimed confidential information


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             12295

                                                  redacted/blacked out, will be available                 accessories of deemed tobacco products,                 surrounding the role of flavors in
                                                  for public viewing and posted on                        to be subject to FDA’s tobacco product                  tobacco products, including the role
                                                  https://www.regulations.gov. Submit                     authority (the deeming rule). The                       flavors play in youth and young adult
                                                  both copies to the Dockets Management                   products now subject to FDA’s tobacco                   use, as well as the existence of
                                                  Staff. If you do not wish your name and                 product authority include electronic                    preliminary data that some adults may
                                                  contact information to be made publicly                 nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),                       use flavored noncombusted tobacco
                                                  available, you can provide this                         cigars, waterpipes, pipe tobacco,                       products to transition away from
                                                  information on the cover sheet and not                  nicotine gels, dissolvables that were not               combusted tobacco use. See 81 FR
                                                  in the body of your comments and you                    already subject to chapter IX of the                    28973 at 29014 and 29055.
                                                  must identify this information as                       FD&C Act, and other products that meet                  C. The Role of Flavors in Tobacco
                                                  ‘‘confidential.’’ Any information marked                the statutory definition of ‘‘tobacco                   Products Use
                                                  as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed               product’’ (other than accessories) that
                                                  except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20                  may be developed in the future.                            Adolescence (under 18, also referred
                                                  and other applicable disclosure law. For                                                                        to as youth) and young adulthood (age
                                                  more information about FDA’s posting                    B. Flavors and Tobacco Product                          18 through 24) represent a time of
                                                  of comments to public dockets, see 80                   Standards                                               heightened vulnerability to both the
                                                  FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access                    Section 907 of the FD&C Act (21                      initiation of tobacco product use and the
                                                  the information at: https://www.gpo.gov/                U.S.C. 387g) gives FDA the authority to                 development of nicotine dependence
                                                  fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-                       establish tobacco product standards. To                 (Ref. 1). Furthermore, flavors in tobacco
                                                  23389.pdf.                                              establish a tobacco product standard,                   products increase the appeal of those
                                                     Docket: For access to the docket to                  FDA must find that the standard is                      tobacco products to youth, and promote
                                                  read background documents or the                        appropriate for the protection of the                   youth initiation (Ref. 2). Thus, the
                                                  electronic and written/paper comments                   public health, taking into consideration                availability of tobacco products with
                                                  received, go to https://                                scientific evidence concerning the risks                flavors at these developmental stages
                                                  www.regulations.gov and insert the                      and benefits to the population as a                     attracts youth to initiate use of tobacco
                                                  docket number, found in brackets in the                 whole, including users and nonusers of                  products and may result in lifelong use
                                                  heading of this document, into the                      tobacco products; the increased or                      (Ref. 2). Researchers examining the
                                                  ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts                   decreased likelihood that existing users                impact of the Special Rule for Cigarettes
                                                  and/or go to the Dockets Management                     of tobacco products will stop using such                have concluded that, while the
                                                  Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061,                     products; and the increased or                          prohibition of characterizing flavors in
                                                  Rockville, MD 20852.                                    decreased likelihood that those who do                  cigarettes has reduced adolescent
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        not use tobacco products will start using               tobacco product use, the continued
                                                  Laura Rich or Katherine Collins, Center                 such products (section 907(a)(3)(A) and                 availability of menthol cigarettes and
                                                  for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug                     (B) of the FD&C Act). Thus, under                       other flavored tobacco products likely
                                                  Administration, Document Control                        section 907, FDA may issue product                      diminish the effects (Ref. 3). Researchers
                                                  Center, 10903 New Hampshire Ave.,                       standards respecting the construction,                  estimated a 6 percent reduction in the
                                                  Bldg. 71, Rm. G335, Silver Spring, MD                   components, ingredients, additives,                     probability of using any tobacco product
                                                  20993, 1–877–CTP–1373,                                  constituents, and properties of tobacco                 after implementation of the Tobacco
                                                  ctpregulations@fda.hhs.gov.                             products (section 907(a)(4)(B)(i)) and                  Control Act (2009–2013), and observed
                                                                                                                                                                  the reductions to be significantly
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              restricting their sale and distribution
                                                                                                                                                                  associated with the Special Rule for
                                                                                                          (section 907(a)(4)(B)(v)).1
                                                  I. Background                                                                                                   Cigarettes (Ref. 3).
                                                                                                             The Tobacco Control Act includes a                      The adverse health effects associated
                                                  A. The Tobacco Control Act                              ‘‘Special Rule for Cigarettes,’’ which                  with tobacco product use by youth have
                                                     The Tobacco Control Act (Pub. L.                     prohibits cigarettes from containing                    been well documented. Nicotine
                                                  111–31) was enacted on June 22, 2009,                   characterizing flavors other than tobacco               exposure and smoking during
                                                  amending the FD&C Act and providing                     or menthol (section 907(a)(1)(A)). The                  adolescence can have unique adverse
                                                  FDA with the authority to regulate                      statute also authorizes the Agency to                   consequences on brain development
                                                  tobacco products. Specifically, the                     issue additional product standards,                     (Refs. 2 and 4). For example, smoking
                                                  Tobacco Control Act amends the FD&C                     including to address flavors in tobacco                 cigarettes during adolescence is
                                                  Act by adding a new chapter that                        products (see section 907(a)(3)) and                    associated with lasting cognitive and
                                                  provides FDA with authority over                        preserves FDA’s authority to act with                   behavioral impairments, including
                                                  tobacco products. Section 901(b) of the                 respect to menthol (section 907(e)(3)).                 effects on working memory in smoking
                                                  FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 387a(b)), as                        The deeming rule did not include                        teens (Ref. 5) and alterations in the
                                                  amended by the Tobacco Control Act,                     provisions relating to flavors in tobacco               prefrontal attentional network in young
                                                  states that the new chapter in the FD&C                 products. Nevertheless, FDA explained                   adult smokers (Ref. 6). Furthermore, the
                                                  Act (chapter IX—Tobacco Products) (21                   that it did intend to consider the issues               nonclinical data related to nicotine
                                                  U.S.C. 387 through 387u) applies to all                   1 As set forth above, section 907(a)(4)(B)(v)
                                                                                                                                                                  exposure and epidemiologic studies
                                                  cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-               provides that product standards ‘‘shall, where          related to smoking cigarettes during
                                                  own tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and                     appropriate for the protection of the public health,    adolescence taken together suggest an
                                                  any other tobacco products that the                     include—. . . (v) a provision requiring that the sale   age-dependent susceptibility to nicotine
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                                                  Secretary of Health and Human Services                  and distribution of the tobacco product be restricted   (Ref. 1).
                                                                                                          but only to the extent that the sale and distribution
                                                  by regulation deems to be subject to                    of a tobacco product may be restricted under a
                                                                                                                                                                     Use of tobacco products, which is
                                                  chapter IX. In the Federal Register of                  regulation under section 906(d).’’ Section 906(d)       facilitated by nicotine exposure and
                                                  May 10, 2016 (81 FR 28973), FDA                         gives FDA authority to require restrictions on the      dependence, puts youth and young
                                                  issued a final rule deeming all products                sale and distribution of tobacco products by            adults at greater risk for future health
                                                                                                          regulation if the Agency determines that such
                                                  that meet the statutory definition of                   regulations would be appropriate for the protection
                                                                                                                                                                  issues, such as coronary artery disease,
                                                  ‘‘tobacco product’’ in section 201(rr) of               of the public health. See section 906(d)(1) of the      cancer, and other known tobacco-related
                                                  the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 321(rr)), except                FD&C Act.                                               diseases (Refs. 1 and 4). Youth and


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                                                  12296                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  young adult tobacco product users,                      feelings of pain or discomfort (Refs. 22                participated in the Population
                                                  particularly cigarette smokers, also are                and 23), or increase sensations of                      Assessment of Tobacco and Health
                                                  at increased risk for future marijuana                  respiration ease (Refs. 22 through 26).                 (PATH) Study in 2013–2014, 88.7
                                                  and illicit drug use, developmental and                    Documents from the tobacco industry                  percent of youth who have ever used
                                                  mental health disorders, reduced lung                   show that food flavors, such as fruit and               (i.e., ever tried even one or two times)
                                                  growth and impaired function,                           candy, were used to attract new users,                  waterpipe tobacco, 81 percent of e-
                                                  increased risk of asthma, and early                     primarily youth (Ref. 1). Laboratory                    cigarette ever-users, and 65.4 percent of
                                                  abdominal aortic atherosclerosis (Ref.                  research has confirmed that tobacco                     cigar ever-users reported that the first
                                                  1).                                                     products contain flavor chemicals at the                product they used in these categories
                                                     Nicotine is highly addictive. The use                same level per serving as defined by the                was flavored (Ref. 36). Similarly, 79.8
                                                  of nicotine can lead to nicotine                        studies, or higher than, popular candy                  percent of youth who reported being
                                                  dependence, and makes quitting tobacco                  and drink products (Refs. 27 and 28).                   current tobacco product users in the
                                                  products very difficult (Ref. 1).                       Flavors in food products can trigger                    PATH Study reported using a flavored
                                                  Achieving tobacco cessation after                       reward pathways in the brain and                        tobacco product in the past 30 days,
                                                  nicotine addiction is a long and difficult              influence decision-making (Ref. 29).                    including 89 percent of waterpipe users,
                                                  process. Smokers may try quitting 30 or                 Flavors in tobacco products can also                    85.3 percent of e-cigarette users, and
                                                  more times before succeeding (Ref. 7).                  trigger reward pathways in the brain                    71.7 percent of cigar smokers (Ref. 36).
                                                  According to data from the 2015                         and additionally enhance the rewards of                 Data regarding use of flavored little
                                                  National Health Interview Survey, 68                    nicotine (Refs. 30 and 31).                             filtered cigars also demonstrate appeal
                                                  percent of adult smokers in the United                                                                          to youth and young adults. For example,
                                                  States wanted to quit smoking and 55.4                  2. Tobacco Product Use Patterns by                      2017 Monitoring the Future data show
                                                  percent made at least one quit attempt                  Youth                                                   that among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade
                                                  in the past year; however, only 7.4                        a. Overall tobacco product use.                      students, 60 percent of current little
                                                  percent actually quit within the 6 to 12                According to National Youth Tobacco                     cigar users reported using flavored little
                                                  months preceding the survey (Ref. 8).                   Survey (NYTS) data, the current use of                  cigars (Ref. 40). In addition, data from
                                                  1. The Appeal of Flavors Generally and                  e-cigarettes among U.S. youth increased                 the PATH Study show that among
                                                  in Tobacco Products Specifically                        significantly between 2011 and 2015                     current filtered cigar users, 79.3 percent
                                                                                                          (Ref. 32). While use dropped in 2016, e-                of young adults aged 18–24 years and
                                                     Flavor is a multisensory perception                  cigarettes remain the most commonly                     56.2 percent of adults aged 25 years and
                                                  consisting of taste, aroma, and                         used tobacco product by youth (Refs. 33                 older report current flavored use (Ref.
                                                  chemesthetic (e.g., cooling, burning)                   and 34). Current use of waterpipes                      37). Moreover, both youth and young
                                                  sensations in the mouth and throat (Ref.                among U.S. youth increased                              adults identified flavors as a major
                                                  9). A robust body of literature in food                 significantly between 2011 and 2014,                    reason for their e-cigarette use (Refs. 36
                                                  consumer science demonstrates that                      but declined in 2015 and 2016 (Ref. 33).                through 38). In addition, youth
                                                  flavors impact the appeal of consumable                 The use of cigarettes, cigars, and                      consistently reported product flavoring
                                                  products (Refs. 10 and 11), and that                    smokeless tobacco has generally                         as a reason for using waterpipes, cigars,
                                                  flavor preferences drive food selection                 declined among youth in recent years,                   and smokeless tobacco (including snus
                                                  and vary across age groups (Refs. 12 and                although these products remain popular                  products) (Refs. 36 and 37).
                                                  13). Certain flavors are particularly                   among certain youth subpopulations                         While the prevalence of cigarette
                                                  appealing to children and youth; for                    (Refs. 1, 33, and 35).                                  smoking among youth generally has
                                                  example, youth have a heightened                           b. Use of tobacco products with                      declined, rates of menthol smoking
                                                  preference for sweet food tastes and                    flavors. Data regarding use of menthol                  among youth remained stable between
                                                  greater rejection of bitter food tastes.                cigarettes and non-cigarette tobacco                    2004 and 2014 (Ref. 41). Youth and
                                                  These preferences generally diminish                    products among youth from 2013–2014                     young adult smokers are
                                                  with age (Refs. 14 through 17). Flavor                  show widespread appeal of flavored                      disproportionately more likely to smoke
                                                  compounds, such as sugar, are used to                   tobacco products 2 (Refs. 36 through 38).               menthol than nonmenthol cigarettes, as
                                                  enhance flavor or mask undesirable                      Results from the 2014 NYTS on flavored                  compared to older adult smokers; in
                                                  tastes (e.g., bitter) in food. (Ref. 18).               tobacco product use in the past 30 days                 2014, 52.4 percent of youth smokers
                                                     Research on the appeal of flavors in                 among middle and high school students                   aged 12–17 years, 50.5 percent of young
                                                  food informs the understanding of the                                                                           adult smokers aged 18–25 years, and
                                                                                                          show that an estimated 3.26 million
                                                  appeal and the public health impact of                                                                          36.3 percent of adult smokers aged 26
                                                                                                          youth tobacco product users (12 percent
                                                  flavors in tobacco products. In fact,                                                                           years or older, reported smoking
                                                                                                          of all youth) reported using a flavored
                                                  many of the same compounds that are                                                                             menthol cigarettes (Ref. 42). Multiple
                                                                                                          tobacco product in the past 30 days (Ref.
                                                  added to food are also added to tobacco                                                                         studies show a greater use of menthol
                                                                                                          39). By product, an estimated 1.58
                                                  products to enhance flavor or mask                                                                              cigarettes by younger smokers and less
                                                                                                          million reported using a flavored e-
                                                  undesirable tastes (Refs. 19, 27, and 28).                                                                      usage among older smokers (Refs. 42
                                                                                                          cigarette, 1.02 million reported using
                                                  As with food products, flavors are                                                                              through 45).
                                                                                                          flavored waterpipe tobacco, 910,000
                                                  added to tobacco products to, among
                                                                                                          reported using flavored cigars, 900,000                 3. Flavors and Perceptions of Harm and
                                                  other things, improve flavor and taste,
                                                                                                          reported using menthol cigarettes,                      Likelihood of Tobacco Product Use
                                                  such as by reducing the harshness,
                                                                                                          690,000 reported using flavored
                                                  bitterness, and astringency of tobacco                                                                             Perceptions about tobacco harm (i.e.,
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                                                                                                          smokeless tobacco (defined as chewing
                                                  during inhalation (Refs. 19 and 20).                                                                            beliefs about the health risks of tobacco)
                                                                                                          tobacco, snuff, dip, snus, or
                                                  Studies involving cigarettes have shown                                                                         can influence tobacco product use
                                                                                                          dissolvables), and 120,000 reported
                                                  that the addition of sweet flavors                                                                              behavior as research suggests that
                                                                                                          using flavored pipe tobacco (Ref. 39).
                                                  increases the appeal of these products,                                                                         adolescents who perceive lower harms
                                                                                                          Among youth (12–17 years) who
                                                  especially to youth (Refs. 19 to 21). In                                                                        from using tobacco products are more
                                                  addition, the sensory qualities of                         2 For the purposes of this ANPRM, the terms          likely to initiate use (Ref. 46). Two
                                                  menthol flavor produce an analgesic or                  ‘‘flavored tobacco product’’ and ‘‘flavors in tobacco   systematic reviews report findings from
                                                  ‘‘cooling’’ effect, which can reduce                    products’’ are used interchangeably.                    studies assessing participants’


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           12297

                                                  (including youth, young adults, and                     flavors, 56.8 percent reported preferring             6. Adults’ Use of Flavors in Tobacco
                                                  adults) harm perceptions of flavored                    sweet flavors, while 8.7 percent                      Products
                                                  tobacco products. Some findings show                    preferred menthol e-cigarettes (Ref. 50).                Cross-sectional data from Wave 1 of
                                                  that each age group perceived flavored                  Additional results from the same                      the PATH Study (Ref. 37) indicate that
                                                  tobacco products as less harmful than                   research found that the top three                     adult (25 years or older) established
                                                  unflavored products (Refs. 47 and 48).                  reasons for e-cigarette experimentation               tobacco product users also often use
                                                  4. Flavors and Progression to Regular                   among ever e-cigarette users, regardless              flavored products (44.8 percent).
                                                  Use                                                     of cigarette smoking status and school                Specifically, 35.6 percent of cigarette
                                                                                                          level, were curiosity (54.4 percent), the             smokers (menthol), 63.2 percent of
                                                     The association between initiation
                                                                                                          availability of appealing flavors (43.8               ENDS users, 47.8 percent of cigar
                                                  with flavored tobacco products and
                                                                                                          percent), and friends’ influence (31.6                smokers, 68.7 percent of waterpipe
                                                  current tobacco product use was
                                                                                                          percent) (Ref. 51). Another cross-                    users, and 48.7 percent of smokeless
                                                  examined in Wave 1 of the PATH Study
                                                  data, which indicated that 81 percent of                sectional study, in which 1,567 young                 tobacco product users reported use of
                                                  youth (12–17 years of age) and 86                       adults (18–34 years) were recruited                   flavored products at Wave 1 (2013–
                                                  percent of young adult (18–24 years of                  through Facebook ads, reported that the               2014). Among established users of
                                                  age) ever tobacco users (i.e., those who                most commonly used flavors among                      cigarettes and other tobacco products
                                                  have used a tobacco product even once                   current e-cigarette users were fruit (66.9            (polyusers), 68.9 percent use at least one
                                                  or twice in their lifetimes) reported that              percent), candy (35.1 percent), and                   flavored product.
                                                                                                          caramel/vanilla/chocolate/cream (33.3                    The 2013–2014 NATS study data
                                                  the first tobacco product they used was
                                                                                                          percent) (Ref. 38). E-cigarette flavor                (among adults aged 18 years or older)
                                                  flavored, compared to 54 percent of
                                                  adults aged 25 years and older (Ref. 37).               preferences also varied by cigarette                  suggested that the tendency to use
                                                  Controlling for other factors associated                smoking status with former or never                   flavored e-cigarettes and flavored cigars
                                                  with tobacco product use, youth ever                                                                          differed by cigarette smoking status.
                                                                                                          cigarette smokers preferring flavors
                                                  tobacco users who reported their first                                                                        Never cigarette smokers tended to use
                                                                                                          more frequently than current cigarette
                                                  tobacco product was flavored had a 13                                                                         flavored e-cigarettes more than other
                                                                                                          smokers (Ref. 38).
                                                  percent higher prevalence of current                                                                          groups. Specifically, findings indicated
                                                                                                             Qualitative findings reveal differences            that, among users of non-cigarette
                                                  tobacco product use compared to youth
                                                                                                          in e-cigarette flavor preferences as well.            tobacco products, never-cigarette
                                                  whose first product was not flavored.
                                                                                                          Research from a 2016 laboratory study                 smokers had the highest proportion of
                                                  Adult ever users reporting that the first
                                                  tobacco product they used was flavored                  of young adult cigarette smokers who                  flavored e-cigarette use (84.8 percent),
                                                  had a 32 percent higher prevalence of                   used e-cigarettes for the study reported              followed by 78.1 percent of recent
                                                  current established tobacco product use                 fruit flavored (green apple) and dessert              quitters and 63.2 percent of current
                                                  (Ref. 37).                                              flavored (chocolate) e-cigarettes were                cigarette smokers. The study also
                                                     In addition, a longitudinal                          more satisfying and rewarding than                    indicated, among users of non-cigarette
                                                  examination of youth indicated that                     unflavored e-cigarettes (Ref. 52).                    tobacco products, that 43.8 percent of
                                                  youth who initiate smoking with                         Furthermore, participants puffed                      current cigarette smokers reported
                                                  menthol cigarettes may be at greater risk               flavored e-cigarettes approximately 40                smoking flavored cigars, with 30.8
                                                  for progression from experimentation to                 times compared with approximately 23                  percent of never smokers and 38.9
                                                  established smoking and nicotine                        times for unflavored e-cigarettes (Ref.               percent of recent former smokers
                                                  dependence than youth who initiate                      52). Similarly, other research has shown              reporting smoking flavored cigars (Ref.
                                                  with nonmenthol cigarettes (Ref. 49).                   that sweet-flavored e-cigarettes produce              54). The 2013–2014 NATS study also
                                                                                                          higher appeal ratings among youth than                reported flavor types used by product
                                                  5. Youth and Young Adult Flavor                         non-sweet and flavorless e-cigarettes                 among adults aged 18 and over. Users of
                                                  Preferences                                                                                                   flavored smokeless tobacco reported
                                                                                                          (Ref. 53).
                                                     As mentioned in section I.C.1. of this                                                                     using menthol/mint (76.9 percent),
                                                                                                             For cigars/cigarillos/little cigars,               clove/spice/herb (12.3 percent), fruit
                                                  document, youth generally prefer sweet
                                                                                                          waterpipe, and smokeless tobacco                      (10.8 percent), and candy/chocolate/
                                                  flavors (Refs. 14 through 17).
                                                                                                          products, limited evidence exists that                other sweet (4.5 percent) (Ref. 54).
                                                  Researchers reviewed the flavor
                                                                                                          differentiates types of flavors preferred             Flavored waterpipe users reported using
                                                  chemicals and levels in several brands
                                                                                                          (e.g., menthol, fruit) among young                    fruit (74 percent), menthol/mint (18.9
                                                  of candy and Kool-Aid drink mix and
                                                  concluded that the chemicals used in                    adults. Among young adults (18–24                     percent), candy/chocolate/other sweet
                                                  these products largely overlapped with                  years of age), the 2013–2014 National                 (17.4 percent), clove/spice/herb (4.3
                                                  those in similarly labeled ‘‘cherry,’’                  Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS) reported                  percent), alcohol (3.2 percent), and
                                                  ‘‘grape,’’ ‘‘apple,’’ ‘‘peach,’’ and ‘‘berry’’          the top three flavor types used by                    other flavored (3 percent). Flavored e-
                                                  tobacco products (Ref. 27).                             product. Young adult flavored                         cigarette users reported using fruit (44.9
                                                     Results from studies show that                       smokeless tobacco product users                       percent), menthol/mint (43.9 percent),
                                                  flavored e-cigarettes appeal to youth and               reported using menthol/mint (80.6                     candy/chocolate/other sweet (25.7
                                                  young adults; however, these data may                   percent), fruit (13.9 percent), and clove/            percent), clove/spice/herb (7 percent),
                                                  not reflect the flavor preferences among                spice/herb (7.7 percent) (Ref. 54). Young             other flavored (6.1 percent), and alcohol
                                                  all U.S. youth and adults. In a survey                  adult flavored waterpipe users reported               flavors (4 percent) (Ref. 54). Flavored
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  conducted in four high schools and two                  using fruit (73.5 percent), menthol/mint              cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar users
                                                  middle schools in Connecticut in 2013,                  (18 percent), and candy/chocolate/other               reported using fruit (52.4 percent),
                                                  70.7 percent of the lifetime e-cigarette                sweet (17.3 percent). Young adult                     candy/chocolate/other sweet (22
                                                  users (adolescents who had tried an e-                  flavored cigar/cigarillo/little cigar users           percent), alcohol (14.5 percent),
                                                  cigarette) interviewed reported having                  reported using fruit (61.4 percent),                  menthol/mint (12.9 percent), clove/
                                                  used sweet flavors and 22.1 percent                     alcohol (21.9 percent), and candy/                    spice/herb (8.1 percent) and other
                                                  reported having used menthol-flavored                   chocolate/other sweet (20.8 percent)                  flavors (2.9 percent). Flavored pipe
                                                  e-cigarettes. In terms of preferred                     (Ref. 54).                                            smokers reported using fruit (56.6


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                                                  12298                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  percent), candy/chocolate/other sweet                   D. The Potential Role of Flavors in                   II. Requests for Comments and
                                                  (26.5 percent), and menthol/mint (24.8                  Facilitating Transition From Cigarettes               Information
                                                  percent) (Ref. 54).                                     to Tobacco Products That May Pose Less                   FDA is seeking comments (including
                                                    Among adult e-cigarette users, a study                Risk                                                  comments on this document and the
                                                  with experienced exclusive e-cigarette                     FDA also is aware of self-reported                 data presented), data, research results,
                                                  and dual (e-cigarette and cigarette) users              information suggesting that the                       and other information related to the
                                                  (aged 18 years or older) found that                                                                           following topics. Please explain your
                                                                                                          availability of flavors in some
                                                  bitterness and harshness are negatively                                                                       responses and provide any evidence or
                                                                                                          noncombusted tobacco products (e.g.,
                                                  associated with liking e-cigarettes, while                                                                    other information supporting them.
                                                                                                          ENDS) may help some adult users
                                                  sweetness and ‘‘coolness’’ are positively                                                                        • For the purposes of the questions in
                                                                                                          decrease their cigarette use and
                                                  associated with liking them (Ref. 55). In                                                                     this ANPRM, when seeking comments,
                                                                                                          transition away from combusted                        data, research results, and other
                                                  addition, sweetness appeared to have a
                                                                                                          products to potentially less harmful                  information on ‘‘flavors,’’ FDA is
                                                  greater impact than coolness on liking
                                                                                                          products (Refs. 62 and 63). Reports from              seeking information relating to the
                                                  (Ref. 55).
                                                                                                          a focus group of eleven e-cigarette users,            following (as applicable): (1) Artificial
                                                  7. Flavors May Contain or Form Toxic                    nine of whom switched to e-cigarettes                 or natural flavor additives, compounds,
                                                  Compounds                                               from smoking a half-pack per day or                   constituents, or ingredients or any other
                                                                                                          more of cigarettes, suggest that the                  flavoring ingredient in a tobacco
                                                     Evidence exists regarding the toxicity               ability of consumers to personalize their
                                                  of flavors, specifically certain                                                                              product, including its components or
                                                                                                          e-liquids by mixing and matching                      parts; (2) the multisensory experience of
                                                  ingredients in those flavors that have                  flavors could contribute to e-cigarette
                                                  been used in tobacco products. Of                                                                             a flavor during use of tobacco products;
                                                                                                          appeal among cigarette smokers (Ref.                  (3) flavor representations (including
                                                  particular concern for combusted or                     62). In one survey using an online                    descriptors), either explicit or implicit,
                                                  heated tobacco products is that toxicity                convenience sample (i.e., self-selected               in or on the labeling, advertising, and
                                                  also may result from the chemicals                      respondents recruited from online vape                packaging of tobacco products; and (4)
                                                  formed when flavors are heated or                       forums), respondents indicated that                   any other means that impart flavor or
                                                  burned (Refs. 56 through 60). Diacetyl                  flavor variety was ‘‘very important’’ in              represent that tobacco products are
                                                  and acetyl propionyl, which are flavor                  reducing or quitting smoking (Ref. 63).               flavored. The foregoing is intended only
                                                  ingredients that have been found in e-                  Almost half of the respondents in that                to provide guidance to commenters and
                                                  liquids, are highly irritating volatile                 survey indicated that a reduction in                  is not intended to limit or restrict the
                                                  organic compounds (Refs. 56 and 60).                    available flavors would ‘‘increase                    information they may submit.
                                                  There is scientific evidence showing a                  craving[s] for tobacco cigarettes and                 Additionally, for purposes of the
                                                  link between repeated inhalation                        would make reducing or completely                     questions in the ANPRM:
                                                  exposures to these flavor ingredients                   substituting smoking less likely’’ (Ref.                 • ‘‘Youth’’ means under age 18; and
                                                  and adverse respiratory health outcomes                 63).                                                     • ‘‘Young adult’’ means ages 18
                                                  in humans (Ref. 60). Finally, we note                                                                         through 24.
                                                  that certain substances may be                             The issues surrounding the use of
                                                                                                          flavors in tobacco products involve                      FDA intends to use the information
                                                  authorized as a food additive or may be                                                                       submitted in response to this Federal
                                                  considered ‘‘generally recognized as                    various considerations. While data show
                                                                                                          significant youth appeal and continued                Register document, its independent
                                                  safe’’ (GRAS) for certain uses in food.                                                                       scientific knowledge, and other
                                                  However, being authorized as a food                     growth in youth and young adult use of
                                                                                                                                                                appropriate information to inform
                                                  additive or being considered GRAS, in                   flavored tobacco products, which can
                                                                                                                                                                regulatory actions FDA might take with
                                                  and of itself, does not mean that the                   lead to lifelong tobacco product use,
                                                                                                                                                                respect to flavors in tobacco products.
                                                  substances are safe when used in a                      self-reported information from a study
                                                                                                                                                                When submitting information, provide
                                                  tobacco product. The food additive                      (Ref. 63) shows that some flavors in
                                                                                                                                                                evidence by product class (e.g.,
                                                  approval or GRAS status of a substance                  ENDS may play a positive role in                      cigarettes, cigars, pipes) for each topic,
                                                  applies only to specific intended uses in               helping some adults transition away                   when available. If it exists, discuss the
                                                  food, and are not supported by studies                  from cigarettes to potentially less                   influence of flavors by flavor type/
                                                  that account for inhalation toxicity.                   harmful products. In addition, we note                category (e.g., fruit, candy, menthol) for
                                                  Importantly, exposure to chemicals via                  that, currently, no ENDS have been                    each topic. Also, provide information
                                                  the inhalation route can have very                      approved as effective cessation aids. In              regarding any positive or negative
                                                  different effects from oral exposure, and               the preamble to the deeming rule, FDA                 effects that may result from a regulatory
                                                  most tobacco products are inhaled (Ref.                 discussed the evidence available to date,             action FDA might take with respect to
                                                  61). For example, direct ‘‘portal of                    and found that some systematic reviews                flavors in tobacco products, including,
                                                  entry’’ effects to the respiratory tract,               found insufficient data to draw a                     but not limited to, health implications
                                                  which is relatively more sensitive than                 conclusion about the efficacy of e-                   and economic impacts. We ask that
                                                  the gastrointestinal tract, can occur                   cigarettes as cessation aids (81 FR 28973             commenters clearly identify the section
                                                  upon inhalation exposure. There are                     at 29037). A recent systematic review by              and question number associated with
                                                  also important metabolic differences                    the National Academies of Sciences,                   their responsive comments and
                                                  between the two routes of exposure:                     Engineering, and Medicine found                       information.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  After oral ingestion, a substance can be                ‘‘limited evidence that e-cigarettes may
                                                  detoxified through ‘‘first-pass                         be effective aids to promote smoking                  A. The Role of Flavors (Other Than
                                                  metabolism’’ in the liver before reaching               cessation,’’ and that ‘‘there is moderate             Tobacco) in Tobacco Products
                                                  systemic circulation. By contrast,                      evidence from observational studies that                 1. Provide studies or information
                                                  substances introduced into the body via                 more frequent use of e-cigarettes is                  regarding the role of flavors (other than
                                                  inhalation go directly into systemic                    associated with increased likelihood of               tobacco) generally in tobacco products.
                                                  circulation without the same potential                  cessation,’’ thus, the evidence remains               If the response relies on research in
                                                  for detoxification (Ref. 61).                           inconclusive (Ref. 64).                               other areas (e.g., consumer products),


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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                            12299

                                                  discuss the appropriateness of                          tobacco) in noncombusted tobacco                      should FDA establish to protect the
                                                  extrapolating from such research to                     products on the likelihood that former                public health, and why?
                                                  tobacco products.                                       combusted tobacco product users                          14. If FDA were to establish a tobacco
                                                                                                          relapse. Include information from, and                product standard prohibiting or
                                                  B. Flavors (Other Than Tobacco) and                                                                           restricting flavors, to which types of
                                                                                                          define, all populations: Youth, young
                                                  Initiation and Patterns of Tobacco                                                                            tobacco products should the standard
                                                                                                          adults, and adults (and any subgroup
                                                  Product Use, Particularly Among Youth                                                                         apply (e.g., combusted, noncombusted,
                                                                                                          thereof, if applicable).
                                                  and Young Adults                                                                                              both), and why?
                                                     2. Provide studies or information                    D. Additional Public Health                              15. Menthol Flavor:
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               Considerations                                           a. FDA has carefully reviewed the
                                                  tobacco) in initiation and/or patterns of                  9. Provide studies or information                  data it received in response to the 2013
                                                  use of combusted tobacco products,                      regarding the potential toxicity or                   ANPRM on menthol in cigarettes (78 FR
                                                  particularly among youth and young                      adverse health effects to the user or                 44484, July 24, 2013). Provide any
                                                  adults.                                                 others from any flavors (e.g., flavor                 additional data or information about the
                                                     3. Provide studies or information                    additives, compounds, or ingredients) in              role of menthol in cigarettes,
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               tobacco products. These adverse health                particularly regarding the role menthol
                                                  tobacco) in initiation and/or patterns of               outcomes may include, but are not                     plays in smoking initiation and in the
                                                  use of noncombusted tobacco products,                   limited to, cancer or adverse respiratory,            likelihood of smoking cessation for all
                                                  particularly among youth and young                      cardiac, or reproductive/development                  populations (youth, young adult, adult).
                                                  adults.                                                 effects. Of particular interest are studies              b. What additional evidence exists on
                                                     4. Provide studies or information                    or information on inhalation exposure                 the likelihood that smokers would
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               to any flavor. Provide studies or                     completely switch to another tobacco
                                                  tobacco) in noncombusted tobacco                        information on what, if any, toxic                    product, or start dual use with another
                                                  products on initiation of tobacco                       chemicals might be formed from the                    product, in the event of a tobacco
                                                  product use or progression to use of                    heating or burning of tobacco products                product standard prohibiting or limiting
                                                  other tobacco products (for example,                    with flavors and the potential toxicity or            menthol in cigarettes?
                                                  from noncombusted to combusted                          health risks that might result from these                c. What is the role, if any, that
                                                  tobacco products), particularly among                   formed chemicals.                                     menthol plays in use of tobacco
                                                  youth and young adults.                                    10. Provide studies or information on              products other than cigarettes,
                                                                                                          the impact, whether intended or                       including, but not limited to, cigars and
                                                  C. Flavors (Other Than Tobacco) and
                                                                                                          unintended, of public health efforts by               ENDS?
                                                  Cessation, Dual Use, and Relapse
                                                  Among Current and Former Tobacco                        local jurisdictions, States, and members              F. Sale or Distribution Restrictions
                                                  Product Users                                           of the international community to
                                                                                                          impose restrictions on the manufacture,                 16. FDA may consider restrictions on
                                                    5. Provide studies or information                     marketing, sale or distribution of all or             the sale and distribution of flavored
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               a subset of tobacco products with                     tobacco products. Possible restrictions
                                                  tobacco) in helping adult cigarette                     flavors (other than tobacco), including               could include restrictions on the
                                                  smokers reduce cigarette use and/or                     but not limited to cigars, ENDS, menthol              advertising and promotion of tobacco
                                                  switch to potentially less harmful                      cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco                     products with flavors; on access to
                                                  tobacco products.                                       products.                                             tobacco products with flavors; and/or on
                                                    6. Provide studies or information                        11. Provide studies or information                 the label, labeling, and/or packaging of
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               regarding consumer perceptions of the                 tobacco products with flavors. These
                                                  tobacco) in noncombusted tobacco                        health risks of tobacco products with                 restrictions could include requirements
                                                  products on the likelihood of: (1)                      flavors (other than tobacco) when                     to bear warnings or disclosure
                                                  Cessation of combusted tobacco                          compared to other tobacco products,                   statements. What such restrictions, if
                                                  products use, (2) cessation of all tobacco              both with and without flavors. Include                any, should FDA consider and why?
                                                  product use, and (3) uptake of dual use                 information from, and define, all
                                                  of combusted and noncombusted                                                                                 G. Other Actions and Considerations
                                                                                                          populations: Youth, young adults, and
                                                  tobacco products among current and                      adults (and any subgroup thereof, if                     17. To the extent that flavors may
                                                  former tobacco product users. Include                   applicable).                                          pose both (1) potential benefits to adult
                                                  information from, and define, all                          12. Provide studies or information                 smokers who might consider switching
                                                  populations: Youth, young adults, and                   regarding consumer perceptions, if any,               to a noncombusted flavored tobacco
                                                  adults (and any subgroup thereof, if                    of the addictiveness of tobacco products              product with lower individual risk and
                                                  applicable).                                            with flavors (other than tobacco).                    (2) potential risks to nonusers who
                                                    7. Provide studies or information                     Include information from, and define,                 might initiate use of tobacco products
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               all populations: Youth, young adults,                 through flavored tobacco products or to
                                                  tobacco) in noncombusted products on                    and adults (and any subgroup thereof, if              current users who might progress to
                                                  the likelihood of: (1) Delayed or                       applicable).                                          flavored tobacco products with higher
                                                  impeded cessation among users who                                                                             individual risks, how should FDA
                                                  would have otherwise quit combusted                     E. Tobacco Product Standards                          assess and balance these benefits and
                                                  tobacco product use, or (2) delayed or                     13. All Flavors:                                   risks?
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  impeded cessation among users who                          a. Are there any specific flavors for                 18. Provide studies or information on
                                                  would have otherwise quit all tobacco                   which FDA should establish a tobacco                  the role of tobacco flavor in tobacco
                                                  product use. Include information from,                  product standard? If so, which flavors                products in initiation, patterns of use of
                                                  and define, all populations: Youth,                     (e.g., flavor additives, compounds, or                tobacco products (particularly with
                                                  young adults, and adults (and any                       ingredients) and why?                                 respect to progression from non-
                                                  subgroup thereof, if applicable).                          b. With respect to your response to                combusted to combusted tobacco
                                                    8. Provide studies or information                     the previous question, what level (e.g.,              products or from combusted to non-
                                                  regarding the role of flavors (other than               maximum, minimum, prohibition)                        combusted), reduction in use of


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                                                  12300                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  combustible tobacco products and                        www.regulations.gov. FDA has verified                      Preferences in Humans,’’ Physiology and
                                                  cessation of tobacco products. Include                  the website addresses, as of the date this                 Behavior, 39(5):639–641, 1987.
                                                  information from, and define, all                       document publishes in the Federal                     16. Enns, M.P., T.B. Van Itallie, and J.A.
                                                                                                                                                                     Grinker, ‘‘Contributions of Age, Sex and
                                                  populations: Youth, young adults, and                   Register, but websites are subject to                      Degree of Fatness on Preferences and
                                                  adults (and any subgroup thereof, if                    change over time.                                          Magnitude Estimations for Sucrose in
                                                  applicable).                                            1. U.S. Department of Health and Human                     Humans,’’ Physiology and Behavior,
                                                     19. Provide information on whether                        Services, ‘‘Preventing Tobacco Use                    22(5):999–1003, 1979.
                                                  manufacturing process(es) affect                             Among Youth and Young Adults: A                  17. De Graaf, C. and E.H. Zandstra,
                                                  product flavor. Describe any such                            Report of the Surgeon General, 2012.’’                ‘‘Sweetness Intensity and Pleasantness in
                                                  manufacturing process(es), including                    2. U.S. Department of Health and Human                     Children, Adolescents, and Adults,’’
                                                  the specific products that use the                           Services, ‘‘E-cigarette Use Among Youth               Physiology and Behavior, 67(4):513–520,
                                                  process(es), as well as specific flavors                     and Young Adults: A Report of the                     1999.
                                                                                                               Surgeon General, 2016.’’                         18. Hayes, J.E. and S. Johnson, ‘‘Sensory
                                                  used in the process(es).                                3. Courtemanche, C.J., M.K. Palmer, and M.F.               Aspects of Bitter and Sweet Tastes
                                                     20. Provide analyses regarding any                        Pesko, ‘‘Influence of the Flavored                    During Early Childhood,’’ Nutrition
                                                  other tobacco product standard,                              Cigarette Ban on Adolescent Tobacco                   Today, 52(2):S41–S51, 2017.
                                                  regulatory action, or other action that                      Use,’’ American Journal of Preventive            19. Carpenter, C.M., G.F. Wayne, J.L. Pauly,
                                                  FDA could implement that you believe                         Medicine, 52(5):e139–e146, 2017.                      et al., ‘‘New Cigarette Brands With
                                                  would more effectively reduce the                       4. U.S. Department of Health and Human                     Flavors That Appeal to Youth: Tobacco
                                                  harms caused by flavors in tobacco                           Services, ‘‘The Health Consequences of                Marketing Strategies,’’ Health Affairs,
                                                  products to better protect the public                        Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report                24(6):1601–1610, 2005.
                                                                                                               of the Surgeon General, 2014.’’                  20. Cummings, K.M., C.P. Morley, J.K. Horan,
                                                  health than the tobacco product                         5. Jacobsen, L.K., J.H. Krystal, W.E. Mencl, et            et al., ‘‘Marketing to America’s Youth:
                                                  standards or other regulatory actions                        al., ‘‘Effects of Smoking and Smoking                 Evidence From Corporate Documents,’’
                                                  discussed in the preceding questions.                        Abstinence on Cognition in Adolescent                 Tobacco Control, 11 Suppl 1(suppl
                                                     21. Discuss any other tobacco product                     Tobacco Smokers,’’ Biological                         1):15–17, 2002.
                                                  standard, regulatory action, or other                        Psychiatry, 57(1):56–66, 2005.                   21. Manning, K.C., K.J. Kelly, and M.L.
                                                  activity that FDA could pursue that                     6. Musso, F., F. Bettermann, G. Vucurevic, et              Comello, ‘‘Flavoured Cigarettes,
                                                  would complement or increase the                             al., ‘‘Smoking Impacts on Prefrontal                  Sensation Seeking and Adolescents’
                                                  effectiveness of the potential tobacco                       Attentional Network Function in Young                 Perceptions of Cigarette Brands,’’
                                                                                                               Adult Brains,’’ Psychopharmacology                    Tobacco Control, 18(6):459–465, 2009.
                                                  product standards or other regulatory                        (Berl), 191(1):159–169, 2007.
                                                  actions discussed in the preceding                                                                            22. Harris, B., ‘‘Menthol: A Review of Its
                                                                                                          7. Chaiton, M., L. Diemert, J.E. Cohen, et al.,            Thermoreceptor Interactions and Their
                                                  questions.                                                   ‘‘Estimating the Number of Quit
                                                     22. Are there any flavors that                                                                                  Therapeutic Applications,’’ International
                                                                                                               Attempts It Takes to Quit Smoking                     Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3–4):117–
                                                  especially appeal to youth, young                            Successfully in a Longitudinal Cohort of              131, 2006.
                                                  adults, or other specific age group? If so,                  Smokers,’’ BMJ Open, 6(6):e011045,
                                                                                                                                                                23. Galeotti, N., L. Di Cesare Mannelli, G.
                                                  how are such flavors distinguished from                      2016.
                                                                                                                                                                     Mazzanti, et al., ‘‘Menthol: A Natural
                                                  other flavors?                                          8. Babb, S., A. Malarcher, G. Schauer, et al.,
                                                                                                                                                                     Analgesic Compound,’’ Neuroscience
                                                     23. To the extent that you have                           ‘‘Quitting Smoking Among Adults—
                                                                                                                                                                     Letters, 322(3):145–148, 2002.
                                                                                                               United States, 2000–2015,’’ Morbidity
                                                  identified a tobacco product standard or                     and Mortality Weekly Report,                     24. Nishino, T., Y. Tagaito, and Y. Sakurai,
                                                  other regulatory action in response to                       65(52):1457–1464, 2017.                               ‘‘Nasal Inhalation of L-Menthol Reduces
                                                  the prior questions, provide additional                 9. Small, D.M. and B.G. Green, ‘‘A Proposed                Respiratory Discomfort Associated With
                                                  information and comments on: (1) The                         Model of a Flavor Modality.’’ In: M.M.                Loaded Breathing,’’ American Journal of
                                                  technical achievability of compliance                        Murray and M.T. Wallace, M.T. (Eds.),                 Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
                                                                                                               The Neural Bases of Multisensory                      156(1):309–313, 1997.
                                                  with the tobacco product standard or                                                                          25. Lawrence, D., B. Cadman, and A.C.
                                                  other regulatory action you identified;                      Processes, Chapter 36. Boca Raton FL:
                                                                                                               CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2012.                     Hoffman, ‘‘Sensory Properties of
                                                  and (2) how FDA could maximize                                                                                     Menthol and Smoking Topography,’’
                                                                                                          10. Piqueras-Fiszman, B. and C. Spence
                                                  compliance and public health benefits.                       (Eds.), Multisensory Flavor Perception:               Tobacco Induced Diseases, 9 Suppl
                                                     24. If FDA were to establish a tobacco                    From Fundamental Neuroscience                         1(Suppl 1):S3, 2011.
                                                  product standard prohibiting or                              Through to the Marketplace. Cambridge:           26. Garten, S. and R.V. Falkner, ‘‘Continual
                                                  restricting flavors in tobacco products,                     Woodhead Publishing, 2016.                            Smoking of Mentholated Cigarettes May
                                                  what evidence is there, if any, that                    11. Etiévant, P., E. Guichard, C. Salles, et al.,         Mask the Early Warning Symptoms of
                                                  consumers would start to flavor their                        (Eds.), Flavor: From Food to Behaviors,               Respiratory Disease,’’ Preventive
                                                  own tobacco products?                                        Wellbeing and Health. Philadelphia:                   Medicine, 37(4):291–296, 2003.
                                                                                                               Elsevier Science, 2016.                          27. Brown, J.E., W. Luo, L.M. Isabelle, et al.,
                                                     25. What data may be used to assess
                                                                                                          12. Beauchamp, G.K. and J.A. Mennella,                     ‘‘Candy Flavorings in Tobacco,’’ New
                                                  and analyze the range and variety of                                                                               England Journal of Medicine,
                                                                                                               ‘‘Flavor Perception in Human Infants:
                                                  flavored tobacco products that are                           Development and Functional                            370(23):2250–2252, 2014.
                                                  currently available to consumers? How                        Significance,’’ Digestion, 83 Suppl 1:1–6,       28. Chen, C., L.M. Isabelle, W.B. Pickworth,
                                                  can available sources of information,                        2011.                                                 et al., ‘‘Levels of Mint and Wintergreen
                                                  such as manufacturer registrations and/                 13. Cowart, B., G. Beauchamp, and J.                       Flavorants: Smokeless Tobacco Products
                                                  or product listings with FDA, be used in                     Mennella, ‘‘Development of Taste and                  vs. Confectionery Products,’’ Food and
                                                  this assessment?                                             Smell in the Neonate.’’ In: R. Polin and              Chemical Toxicology: An International
                                                                                                               S. Abman, (Eds.), Fetal and Neonatal                  Journal Published for the British
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  III. References                                              Physiology, pp.1899–1907. Philadelphia:               Industrial Biological Research
                                                     The following references are on                           Elsevier Saunders, 2011.                              Association, 48(2):755–763, 2010.
                                                                                                          14. Mennella, J.A., M.Y. Pepino, and D.R.             29. Rolls, E.T., ‘‘Flavor: Brain Processing.’’ In:
                                                  display in the Dockets Management
                                                                                                               Reed, ‘‘Genetic and Environmental                     P. Etievant, E. Guichard, C. Salles, et al.,
                                                  Staff (see ADDRESSES) and are available                      Determinants of Bitter Perception and                 (Eds.), Flavor: From Food to Behaviors,
                                                  for viewing by interested persons                            Sweet Preferences,’’ Pediatrics,                      Wellbeing and Health, pp. 143–160.
                                                  between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday                            115(2):e216-e222, 2005.                               Philadelphia: Elsevier Science, 2016.
                                                  through Friday; they are also available                 15. Desor, J.A. and G.K. Beauchamp,                   30. Touzani, K., R.J. Bodnar, and A. Sclafani,
                                                  electronically at https://                                   ‘‘Longitudinal Changes in Sweet                       ‘‘Neuropharmacology of Learned Flavor



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                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                 12301

                                                       Preferences,’’ Pharmacology,                            Possible Public Health Effects of Menthol        57. Hutzler, C., M. Paschke, S. Kruschinski,
                                                       Biochemistry, and Behavior, 97(1):55–62,                Versus Nonmenthol Cigarettes,’’ 2013.                 et al., ‘‘Chemical Hazards Present in
                                                       2010.                                              44. Fernander, A., M.K. Rayens, M. Zhang, et               Liquids and Vapors of Electronic
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                                                       Johnston, et al., ‘‘National Adolescent                 cigarettes Among Young Adult Vapers:
                                                                                                                                                                BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                       Drug Trends in 2017: Findings                           Application of a Novel Methodology,’’
                                                       Released.’’ Monitoring the Future: Ann                  Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 168:176–
                                                       Arbor, MI, 2017, available at http://                   180, 2016.
                                                       www.monitoringthefuture.org.                       54. Bonhomme, M.G., E. Holder-Hayes, B.K.             DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                  41. Villanti, A.C., P.D. Mowery, C.D.                        Ambrose, et al., ‘‘Flavoured Non-
                                                       Delnevo, et al., ‘‘Changes in the                       Cigarette Tobacco Product Use Among              Bureau of Indian Affairs
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                                                                                                               Control, 25(Suppl 2):ii4-ii13, 2016.             [189D0102DR/DS5A300000/
                                                       Cigarette Use in the USA, 2004–2014,’’
                                                                                                          55. Kim, H., J. Lim, S.S. Buehler, et al., ‘‘Role     DR.5A311.IA000118]
                                                       Tobacco Control, 25(Suppl 2):ii14-ii20,
                                                       2016.                                                   of Sweet and Other Flavours in Liking
                                                  42. Substance Abuse and Mental Health                        and Disliking of Electronic Cigarettes,’’        25 CFR Part 273
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                       Services Administration, ‘‘Behavioral                   Tobacco Control, 25(Suppl 2):ii55-ii61,          RIN 1076–AF24
                                                       Health Trends in the United States:                     2016.
                                                       Results from the 2014 National Survey              56. Allen, J.G., S.S. Flanigan, M. LeBlanc, et        Education Contracts Under Johnson-
                                                       on Drug Use and Health,’’ available at                  al., ‘‘Flavoring Chemicals in E-cigarettes:      O’Malley Act
                                                       https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/                      Diacetyl, 2, 3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin
                                                       default/files/NSDUH-FRR1-2014/                          in a Sample of 51 Products, Including            AGENCY:   Bureau of Indian Affairs,
                                                       NSDUH-FRR1-2014.pdf.                                    Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-         Interior.
                                                  43. Food and Drug Administration,                            cigarettes,’’ Environmental Health               ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                       ‘‘Preliminary Scientific Evaluation of the              Perspectives, 124(6):733–739, 2016.



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Document Created: 2018-03-21 00:45:55
Document Modified: 2018-03-21 00:45:55
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionAdvance notice of proposed rulemaking.
DatesSubmit either electronic or written comments by June 19, 2018.
ContactLaura Rich or Katherine Collins, Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Document Control Center, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, 1-877-CTP-1373, [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 12294 
RIN Number0910-AH60
CFR Citation21 CFR 1100
21 CFR 1140
21 CFR 1143

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