Yesterday the Senate passed a bill that will empower the government to regulate cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. The legislation empowers the FDA to regulate the tobacco industry. The bill will go to President Obama for signing.
Under this new 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.
In addition the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act will regulate the following:
• Immediately, tobacco makers can no longer make claims that their products pose fewer health risks.
• Cigarettes marketed as “light,” “low” tar or “mild” will be banned within a year.
• Within nine months, the FDA must publish marketing restrictions that will take effect six months later.
• Within 12 months, new warning labels will be placed on smokeless tobacco products.
• Within 15 months, tobacco companies must disclose the ingredients in their products.
• Within two years, the FDA must issue rules on graphic warnings for cigarettes that will cover half the pack. The labels will take effect 15 months later.
Posted by nhpa 
