Wednesday the US House of Representatives passed HR 1108: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, by a vote of 326 to 102.
Under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have greater authority over the tobacco industry. This includes:
• Restriction of tobacco advertising and promotions, especially to children.
• Ban of candy-flavored cigarettes.
• Requirement for tobacco companies to disclose the contents of tobacco products and conduct research about the health effects of these products.
• Requiring changes in tobacco products.
• Prohibiting health claims about so called “reduced risk” tobacco products.
• Requiring larger, more effective health warnings on tobacco products.
• Prohibiting terms such as “low-tar,” “light,” and “mild.”
The American Lung Association released a statement congratulating the House of Representatives.
“This legislation will finally provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the authority it needs to regulate the marketing, production and distribution of tobacco products, which have been historically exempt from the most basic oversight,” says Bernadette A. Toomey, President of the American Lung Association
The bill now awaits a vote by the Senate. You can contact your Senator through the American Lung Association’s website.
Complete details of the bill can be read online.
