New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside New York City Acting Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant, announced today the filing of a federal lawsuit against Price Point Distributors, Inc., a major distributor based in Farmingdale, Long Island. The lawsuit targets the illegal distribution of disposable flavored e-cigarettes, which have become alarmingly popular among middle and high school students.

The lawsuit alleges that Price Point Distributors has been unlawfully selling e-cigarettes in enticing flavors such as snow cone, strawberry shortcake, and Hawaii Punch, both to retail outlets and directly to consumers through online sales. This practice is said to violate numerous federal, state, and local laws aimed at regulating the sale of such products.

Mayor Adams emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Part of protecting public safety means protecting the health of New Yorkers, including our most vulnerable – our children, who are more susceptible to nicotine addiction, especially when products are flavored to make the taste less harsh. Protecting young New Yorkers means stubbing out illegal vape and e-cigarette sales that target them. Today’s lawsuit alleges that Price Point Distributors knew it was breaking laws by selling flavored cigarettes to New Yorkers, and even took measures to conceal these illegal sales from federal, state, and local authorities.”

Also Read: Bronx Muslim Festival 2024 to hold in December

City Hall Chief Counsel Allison Stoddart reinforced this commitment, declaring, “It is illegal to sell flavored e-cigarettes in New York City. With this lawsuit, the Adams administration is continuing to hold companies accountable when they put profits over the health of New Yorkers.”

The lawsuit is part of a broader initiative by the Adams administration to combat the surge of flavored e-cigarettes, which are particularly appealing to adolescents. Acting Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant stated, “As alleged in the city’s complaint, defendants are abusing our laws and undermining public health. By selling disposable vapes with kid-friendly flavors – such as cotton candy, raspberry watermelon, and cherry cola – defendants are putting profit before the wellbeing of young people.”

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom added, “Protecting the health of our young people, and of all New Yorkers, is among our highest priorities. Today’s action helps us do that by cracking down on illegal distributors of vaping products – products we know often make their way into the hands of our young people.”

The urgency of this legal action is underscored by alarming statistics. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 2.5 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past month, with flavored products remaining the most popular choice. Public health advocates have long warned that such products, marketed in colorful packaging and appealing flavors, are designed to attract youth and foster nicotine addiction.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Interim Commissioner Michelle Morse remarked, “These illegal sales signify an indifference to New Yorkers’ laws and health, especially the health of teens, who are particularly susceptible to the allure of flavored e-cigarettes. We are committed to prioritizing young people’s health and safety over unfettered corporate interests.”

The Adams administration’s legal efforts follow a previous lawsuit filed in July 2023 against multiple distributors of illegal flavored vapes, including the nation’s largest vape distributor. The ongoing commitment to enforcement against illegal operators has led to significant actions, including the sealing of over 1,200 illegal cannabis shops and the destruction of 1,200 pounds of illegal vape products.

State officials also voiced their support for the lawsuit. New York State Senator Leroy Comrie stated, “Protecting our children from harmful and addictive substances must be a top priority. I thank Mayor Adams and his administration for taking decisive action with this lawsuit to hold this company accountable.”