FDA to Regulate Tobacco

On June 22nd, President Obama signed a bill into law that will allow the FDA to regulate the content, flavor and advertisement of cigarettes. Passing with overwhelming bipartisan support, the tobacco regulation bill is a huge victory for health advocates looking to decrease the use of cigarettes, which is still the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.

FDA Commisioner Supports Tobacco Regulation

In a recent article in AMNews, the new Food and Drug commissioner picked by President Obama is in favor of the agency regulating tobacco.  Dr. Hamburg is quoted as saying "This is a critical moment, I think, to take a more aggressive look at how we regulate tobacco products...I think the FDA is the appropriate agency to regulate tobacco."  Dr. Hamburg is the former New York City health inspector, a state with strong history of tobacco control.

FDA Closer to Regulating Tobacco

Legislation granting the regulation of tobacco by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently cleared the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.  If the new bill passes the House and Senate, it will allow the FDA to regulate tobacco advertising and monitor the ingredients in tobacco products.  Opponents of the legislation argue that the FDA cannot handle their current responsibilities, citing the recent salmonella outbreaks.  They also argue that the law is unecessary because tobacco companies already self-regulate their advertising techniques.  But let's be clear: the issue is not the inadequacies of the FDA.  The issue is that tobacco products are the number one cause of preventable disease and death.