Imagine if a new, consumable product were
introduced that contained arsenic, formaldehyde and
ammonia, and it was being marketed to our children,
but federal law wouldn’t let the government do
anything about it. Unfortunately, such a product
already exists – cigarettes. And unfortunately, the
second part of the story is true as well – under
current law, the federal government cannot take action
to reduce or eliminate the dangerous chemicals in
cigarettes and other tobacco products or to further
restrict their marketing and sale to our children.
Congress can end this special protection for Big
Tobacco by passing bipartisan legislation to give the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration effective authority
to regulate tobacco products as it does other consumer
products.
Real FDA authority over tobacco products will
protect kids, improve consumer awareness and save
lives. Here’s how:
- Restrict advertising and promotions that appeal
to kids.
- Crack down on illegal sales of tobacco products
to children.
- Require the disclosure of ingredients and
additives in tobacco products.
- Require changes in tobacco products to reduce
harm such as reduction of harmful components when
technologically feasible.
- Require independent scientific testing of
tobacco products and health claims about them.
- Prohibit dangerous and deceptive health claims.
How you can help
It is critical that tobacco control advocates take an
active role in the FDA debate and make clear to
members of Congress and the public what is acceptable
legislation and what is not. We must build support for
REAL FDA legislation that will protect the public
health and reduce the toll of tobacco and counter the
tobacco industry’s efforts to pass their version of
FDA “regulation.” Let your legislators know that
their constituents - their voters - support FDA
regulation of tobacco. Your voice does count!
