Government Regulation of Tobacco

GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF TOBACCO MONDAY, JULY 4, 2011 Although Altria is trying to understand and support the bill, RJ Reynolds is attacking the FDA by stating that they are unable to enforce regulation on tobacco. The FDA is overwhelmed by the task of trying to keep up with food and drug safety and while Atria doesn't want to outlaw the law permanently, they are in the process of trying to improve their image. By protecting the company from litigation, Phillip Morris is providing them with safer procedures to make their products. There are several hundred thousands of people who die from cigarette smoking every year and exposure to cigarette smoke causes more than 440,000 premature deaths every year. Many kids and teenagers are easily addicted to nicotine and lured into smoking. Cigarette advertisements also add to the lure to get kids and teenagers to start smoking by letting these impressionable young people think it is cool to smoke. The new law allows the FDA to prohibit advertisements from being targeted toward young people and to also inform those of what is inside these cigarettes. In an attempt to regulate tobacco, the Senate will give the federal government more power to oversee how tobacco products are sold and marketed. It will mean more graphic warnings on cigarettes and tobacco- related products, including cigarette flavorings. It would also mean new requirements to disclose ingredients on tobacco-related products like cigarettes and other tobacco products. It should also restrict advertising that is aimed at children in an attempt to prevent them from starting smoking and becoming addicted at a young age. The country's largest manufacturer of tobacco products, Phillip Morris, said it will develop new reduced-risk offerings. Under this new law, the industry will have to disclose ingredients in its products for the first time. Advertising and promotion will also be restricted as they will not be able to use the terms "light", "mild", and "low" unless they can scientifically prove the product is less harmful than standard tobacco. The regulation of tobacco is more aimed at preventing young people from buying cigarettes and tobacco in an attempt to stop them from becoming addicted to nicotine. The FDA has even banned cigarettes with a candy flavoring so young people won't be tempted to purchase tobacco products. They are also working on educating people on the dangers of smoking so people won't want to start. RESOURCES Government Regulation Of Tobacco Products www.oppapers.com/.../Government-Regulation-Of-Tobacco-Products/624641; Retrieved on July 3, 2011. Lyndsey Layton; Senate Approves Bill to Allow FDA Regulation of Tobacco; Retrieved, July 3, 2011; www.washingtonpost.com> Politics > In Congress Tobacco Product Regulation — A Public Health Approach | Health ...; Retrieved on July 3, 2011; healthpolicyandreform.nejm.org › Drugs, Devices, and the FDA