A coalition of public health organizations has initiated legal action against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), aiming to halt a policy that may permit a surge of flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to hit the market without comprehensive scientific review.

The lawsuit demands a judge to rescind the policy, which was announced in May and finalized soon after executives from companies advocating for the policy met with President Trump at his Florida golf club. Notably, Reynolds American contributed $5 million to a pro-Trump super PAC shortly before the meeting, according to campaign finance records.

The newly implemented policy indicates that the FDA will not enforce regulations against manufacturers who have made significant progress towards obtaining agency approval. This is expected to enable major tobacco companies to launch various new flavored tobacco pouches and e-cigarettes within months.

Previously, the FDA authorized vape sales only in menthol or plain tobacco flavors, believed to be less appealing to youths. However, unauthorized products with high nicotine levels and flavors like strawberry have been illegally imported from China and sold across the United States.

The lawsuit, spearheaded by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, includes participants such as the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The plaintiffs contend that the new policy breaches the Tobacco Control Act, established during the Obama administration. This act mandates that each e-cigarette and tobacco pouch undergo an extensive FDA review to receive a “marketing granted order,” similar to an approval. The review process evaluates whether a product is suitable for public health protection, often determined through company studies on aiding adult cigarette cessation without attracting young users.