The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a strong call for governments worldwide to urgently ban flavoured tobacco and nicotine products, citing their growing appeal to children and young people. In a statement released ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2025, WHO warned that flavours such as fruit, candy, and menthol are deliberately designed to attract younger users, fueling a new generation of nicotine addiction.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics are undermining decades of progress in tobacco control. He urged countries to implement comprehensive bans on the sale of all flavoured tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.
The organization highlighted evidence that flavours play a significant role in enticing children and adolescents to try and continue using tobacco and nicotine, increasing the risk of lifelong addiction and serious health consequences. WHO also called for stricter regulations on advertising, packaging, and product design to prevent the industry from targeting young people.
The appeal comes as global health authorities raise alarm over rising rates of e-cigarette and vaping product use among teenagers, with many products containing high levels of nicotine and harmful chemicals.
WHO concluded by urging policymakers to put children’s health first and take decisive action to protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
