FDA proposes first regulations for e-cigarettes

e cigaretteMembers of Congress and public health groups have raised concerns over e-cigarettes and questioned their marketing tactics.

“When finalized (the proposal) would result in significant public health benefits, including through reducing sales to youth, helping to correct consumer misperceptions, preventing misleading health claims and preventing new products from entering the market without scientific review by FDA,” said Mitch Zeller, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.

Also on Thursday, the FDA proposed extending its authority to regulate cigars, hookah, nicotine gels, pipe tobacco and dissolvable tobacco products.

Public health advocates said the FDA proposal is a critical step in reining in marketing of the new products. But they also said it comes after an “inexcusably long delay,” pointing out that the FDA first announced its plans to regulate e-cigarettes in April 2011.

“It is inexcusable that it has taken the FDA and the Administration so long to act. This delay has had serious public health consequences as these unregulated tobacco products have been marketed using tactics and sweet flavors that appeal to kids,” the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said in a statement.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *