Hong Kong authorities will crack down on flavoured tobacco substances in the next phase of its enhanced smoking control measures, with the health minister describing such products as a “poisoned chalice” designed to hook younger people.
Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau warned on Saturday that flavoured tobacco was mostly delivered through e-cigarettes, with additives containing menthol or sugar-coated toxins used to mask the bitterness and smell of tobacco and attract young consumers.
“About 70 per cent of young people’s first puff of nicotine comes from flavoured cigarettes, which make them easily addicted to smoking,” he told a radio programme.
“We have rolled out 10 short-term tobacco control measures, and our next step will target the regulation of flavoured substances, including those containing sugar-coated poison to mask their toxic chemicals and the tobacco smell.”
Lo stopped short of revealing the details of the regulation of flavoured cigarettes, adding only that the packaging of all cigarettes, flavoured or not, would be unified at a later stage.
“These flavoured cigarettes are presented with colourful packaging like toys to attract youngsters. Their packaging will be standardised,” he said.
Hong Kong expanded its ban on alternative smoking products on April 30, making it illegal to possess or use vapes and e-cigarettes in public spaces. Enforcement by the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office was ongoing, with more severe penalties imposed for large-scale possession.