Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a coordinated effort with nine other attorneys general to address the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, sale, and marketing of flavored disposable e-cigarette products. These actions aim to curb the distribution of addictive tobacco products targeting youth by enforcing state tobacco and consumer protection laws. As part of these efforts, Bonta has filed a lawsuit against Flumgio Technology Inc., Berkeley Int'l Business Crew, and their founder Zaoyu Zhu for importing and selling FLUM brand e-cigarettes in California without FDA authorization.

"As a father and the People’s Attorney, I won’t stand idly by as companies, not just in California, but across the country, continue to sell illicit flavored disposable e-cigarette products that target our youth," stated Attorney General Bonta. "It takes a collective effort to crack down on these tobacco companies and their illegal business tactics."

The multistate initiative highlights concerns over flavored disposable e-cigarettes manufactured and imported from China without FDA approval. The U.S. market has seen a significant increase in such products since 2020. Despite federal efforts to control them, these e-cigarettes remain prevalent among youth due to appealing flavors and marketing strategies.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued civil investigative demands to retailers selling potent illegal e-cigarettes. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is pursuing legal action against entities distributing Posh brand vapes in violation of Illinois' Youth Preventing Vaping Act. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin reminded retailers about penalties for selling flavored vapor products under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.

Attorney General Bonta's lawsuit against the FLUM Defendants alleges violations of California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law. It seeks injunctive relief to stop false statements and unfair sales practices.

Bonta continues his commitment to combating illegal tobacco marketing with recent legislation supporting California's flavored tobacco ban enforcement. He previously secured a $462 million settlement with JUUL Labs for targeting youth in advertising.