Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
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On Monday this week, the Senate agreed to give the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate cigarettes and tobacco products. The bill, entitled the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, was passed by a 61-30 vote. Kentucky Senator, Mitch McConnell, among others who opposed the bill, are concerned how this new law will impact local tobacco farmers, and contend that it places additional burdens on the already overwhelmed FDA.
The AP reported:
Under this law, the FDA has the power to order removal of hazardous ingredients, restrict the marketing and distribution of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, clamp down on sales to young people, require stronger warning labels and stop use of characterizations such as 'light' or 'low tar' that give people the impression of lower health risks.
The FDA plans to set up an office devoted solely to tobacco and cigarette regulation which is to be paid by a fee from tobacco companies.
The debate over FDA control over tobacco has been ongoing for over a decade. Opponents contend that regulation of the tobacco is necessary to set national standards to control the manufacturing of tobacco products and regulate the type and amount of ingredients used in these products. It’s estimated that over $400,000 people die each year from tobacco related illnesses. Philip Morris USA, the industry leader supports the new legislation.
USA Today reported Spokesman Bill Phelps, of Phillip Morris as stating that:
The company hopes it will be a "framework to pursue tobacco products that are less harmful than conventional cigarettes."
Greg Connolly of Harvard University's School of Public Health stated that he supports it but has "very, very serious concerns." He fears the FDA may do Philip Morris' bidding and focus on finding a "safer cigarette." Instead, he said, it should focus on reducing tobacco use.
"The critical issue," he said, "is what route the FDA will take."