Obama Poised to Sign FDA Bill

WASHINGTON -- Shortly after the House gave final approval in a 307-97 vote Friday to a bill giving the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the tobacco industry, President Barack Obama pledged to quickly sign the measure into law, The New York Times reported.

"For over a decade, leaders of both parties have fought to prevent tobacco companies from marketing their products to children and provide the public with the information they need to understand what a dangerous habit this is," said Obama.

For the first time, the legislation will give the FDA authority to regulate what goes into tobacco products, demand changes or elimination of toxic substances and block the introduction of new products, the report stated.

According to the report, the legislation mandates:

-- By 2012, cigarette packages must have warning labels that cover 50 percent of the front and rear, including the word "warning" in capital letters.

-- Any existing tobacco-related sponsorships of sports and entertainment events will be banned, including giveaways of non-tobacco items with the purchase of a tobacco product. Moreover, a federal ban will be put in effect 15 months from signing on outdoor tobacco advertising within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds.

-- Point-of-sale advertising will be limited to adult-only facilities, while vending machines can only appear in places restricted to adults. Retailers selling the product to minors will be subject to federal enforcement and penalties.

-- Within one year, flavored cigarettes—including candy flavors, herbs or spices such as strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon or vanilla—but excluding menthol, will be banned, as well as cigarettes advertised as "light" or "mild."

New FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg told the newspaper the agency was ready to "roll up our sleeves" to meet the new obligations.

Related News:

Senate Passes Bill for FDA to Regulate Tobacco

FDA Regulation of Tobacco Expected to Pass Senate
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