The Oregon Department of Justice filed Thursday two legal settlements that prevent two national travel store chains from selling electronic cigarettes in Oregon.

The settlement announced by the Oregon Attorney General's office bans the sale of electronic cigarettes at Pilot Travel Centers and TA Operating. The "NJOY" ban is the first in the nation of a product that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved.
Thursday's settlement bans the sale of the e-cigarette until they receive FDA approval. Even if courts decide that the FDA does not have regulation authority, the settlement stipulates that electronic cigarettes may not be sold in Oregon unless there is competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the product's safety claims. In addition, the companies must give the Attorney General advance notice that they intend to sell electronic cigarettes in Oregon, provide copies of all electronic cigarette advertising, and provide copies of the scientific studies they maintain substantiates their claims.
Also on Thursday the anti-smoking association Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) announced a legal petition to urge attorneys general in 49 states to ban the further sale of e-cigarettes until their safety can be determined by the FDA. (pi)