The AP reports that in its latest move dealing with the tobacco industry, the FDA issued a ban this past week on the manufacturing, importing, marketing and distribution of candy, fruit, or clove flavored cigarettes.This new federal ban goes hand-in-hand with a June 2009 law President Obama signed into effect that gives the FDA the authority to regulate the tobacco industry. The law, which does have limits and stops short of fully and outright banning tobacco and nicotine products in the US, does not ban menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars. Targeting children, teenage smokers and adults alike, the law also calls for graphic warnings and labels to be placed on all tobacco products’ packaging by June 2010 in an effort to decrease a person’s smoking habits. The federal government estimates now that a staggering 3600 young people begin smoking daily and this law is designed to stop that increasing trend. "Candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes are a gateway for many children and young adults to become regular tobacco users," said Dr. Lawrence R. Deyton, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products.
This latest legislation was supported by industry-leader Phillip Morris USA while rivals Reynolds American Inc. and Lorillard Inc opposed it and have filed suit challenging the legal basis and constitutionality of the regulations.
For more information, read the full story here or check out the official FDA statement for more details.
This FDA regulation of cigarettes and tobacco control was one of the largest victories for anti-smoking agencies in decades. This summer, I was privileged enough to work at the American Cancer Society's IL division headquarters under the Vice President of PR and CEO of the IL division. I had the opportunity to meet with Senator Dick Durbin before the press conference he held about this new law passed in June. As more and more people fall victim to lung cancer as well as other cancer caused by these tobacco products, awareness is rising rapidly. People understand the consequences and the government is starting to support these anti-smoking efforts. FDA regulation of flavored tobacco is another victory for the Obama administration. This is a great thing and there will be more victories such as these in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI find it fascinating that with all the information we have about cigarettes and how bad they are for us, 3600 young people still choose to start smoking every day. I think this FDA ban is a great thing especially when tobacco companies are trying to keep young people hooked with candy flavored products. It's just sad that we live in a society where we can't rely on people to just be informed and make healthy choices, instead we have to add on heavy taxes or ban them.
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