FDA Panel Says Dissolvable Tobacco Could Reduce Risks vs. Cigarettes

RICHMOND, Va. -- A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel posted a report finding that dissolvable tobacco products could present fewer health risks than cigarettes, according to the Associated Press. However, the panel also noted that dissolvables, which often come in tablet form, could increase the overall number of tobacco users.

The FDA began reviewing dissolvable tobacco products last summer under the authority of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which allows the administration to regulate the manufacture, distribution and marketing of tobacco products. Dissolvable tobacco products have seen some controversy within the past year; in September 2011, the Colorado Department of Health asked R.J. Reynolds to voluntarily cease selling dissolvables within the state's borders due to the potential for them to be confused with mint candy.

In its report, the FDA also noted that there is a lack of existing research on dissolvables, which make up a small percentage of the overall tobacco marketing.

The FDA stated it will review the panel's findings, but there is no particular timeline for it to act.