U.S. health officials say they are concerned about candy-like smokeless tobacco products that are brightly packaged and flavored and, they fear, enticing to youngsters.

The tablets, strips and sticks are flavored like coffee or mint. The companies that make the products say they are marketed to adults who smoke but may be trying to quit or are looking for a nicotine fix while they are at a place that does not allow them to smoke.

The companies also point out that it's illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase tobacco products, but the FDA is still concerned and has asked the makers of these products for information about their research and marketing for these items.

We share that concern. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco have always been illegal to sell to people under the age of 18, yet studies have shown most people addicted to cigarettes and tobacco started using when they were teens, many under the age of 18.

We're concerned young people who might be turned off to actually smoking may see these candy-like products as more acceptable, cool or trendy. The packaging is appealing and small, so they can easily be concealed. We're also concerned that if so many people have been able to get cigarettes under the age of 18 it's likely these products will be as easy to get as well.

We support the efforts of the FDA to get more information and we urge parents and others to educate youngsters about these products and their addictive nature.