FDA to Regulate E-Cigarettes April 28, 2014 Advocacy, Public Health FDA regulation, e-cigarettes, e-cigs 0 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a proposed rule that would give the agency authority to regulate alternative tobacco products that are growing in popularity. Such currently unregulated products as e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine gels, hookah, and dissolvables would be brought under the FDA’s authority to help keep tobacco products out of the hands of minors and prevent additional Americans from becoming dependent on such harmful products. The proposed rule includes provisions aimed at preventing tobacco-related diseases and deaths, including: A minimum age requirement and identification restrictions to prevent sales to people who are underage Required health warnings A prohibition of sales through vending machines to which minors might have access The proposed rule leaves room for additional needed improvements, including banning flavors for e-cigarettes and cigars, which can contribute to the appeal for young people. But the new rule is moving in the right direction. FDA is accepting physician comments on the proposed rule on e-cigarette regulation until July 9, 2014. Click here to provide input (clinical research, data, and other information). SFMS has long advocated for regulation of e-cigarettes, including endorsement Supervisor Eric Mar’s proposed legislation this year and the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Resolution No. 7-11 in 2011. Comments are closed.
