Pari Belar presents findings on flavored tobacco products in Concord

The Town of Concord's Board of Health meeting on December 17, 2024, featured a presentation by Pari Belar, the tobacco control program manager, focusing on the issue of flavored tobacco products in the local market. Belar highlighted the ongoing challenges following Massachusetts' ban on flavored tobacco products, which took effect in June 2020.

During his presentation, Belar explained that despite the ban, some flavored products have been reintroduced into the market. He noted that manufacturers are attempting to circumvent regulations by claiming their products lack characteristic flavors. To investigate this, Belar and his team conducted tests on various products available in Concord shops to determine their flavor content.

Belar clarified the definition of flavored tobacco products, stating that any product with a taste or aroma distinct from tobacco or nicotine qualifies as flavored. This includes a wide range of flavors, such as fruit and menthol. He emphasized that flavored products are only permitted in smoking bars, which are no longer present in Concord, and should not be sold in convenience stores, gas stations, or restaurants.

The discussion underscored the Board's commitment to monitoring tobacco sales and ensuring compliance with state regulations. The meeting concluded with a call for continued vigilance in addressing the presence of flavored tobacco products in the community, reinforcing public health efforts to reduce tobacco use among residents.