US FDA Commissioner Marty Makary has reportedly stepped down from his position, sparking speculation about the future of the agency's vaping regulations. According to reports, Makary's departure is linked to a long-standing dispute with former US President Donald Trump over the sale of fruit-flavoured vapes.
The controversy surrounding vaping regulations has been ongoing for several years, with the US government facing pressure from public health advocates to ban flavoured e-cigarettes. Makary's stance on the issue was reportedly at odds with Trump's, who had previously expressed support for the sale of flavoured vapes.
In a statement, the FDA confirmed Makary's departure but did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding his resignation. It's understood that Kyle Diamantas, a top official at the agency, will serve as acting FDA commissioner in the interim.
The UK government has been keeping a close eye on the developments in the US, particularly in light of concerns about the impact of vaping on public health. Health Secretary Steve Barclay has previously expressed his support for stricter regulations on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes.
The departure of Makary is likely to have significant implications for the future of vaping regulations in the US. As the UK continues to grapple with its own vaping-related health issues, the developments in the US will be closely watched by policymakers here.
The UK's Department of Health and Social Care has been in close contact with the US FDA, and officials will be monitoring the situation closely to determine how it may impact UK policy on vaping.