FDA Considering Stronger Warning Labels for Smokeless Tobacco

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering requiring stronger warnings on smokeless tobacco products in order to increase public understanding of their risks, according to an Occupational Health & Safety report.

Current warnings required by the Smokeless Tobacco Act, as part of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, include the following for product packaging and advertising:

• "WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer."
• "WARNING: This product can cause gum disease and tooth loss."
• "WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes."
• "WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive."

As part of its consideration, the FDA is seeking public comments regarding what changes, if any, should be made to smokeless tobacco warnings, and how changes would affect both users' and nonusers' understanding of the risks associated with smokeless tobacco products. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov on Docket No. FDA-2012-N-1032, according to the report.