(KCPW News) A proposed Utah bill banning the sale of flavored tobacco products and novelty nicotine candies could lead to a lawsuit. A similar ban passed in New York City is being contested by several subsidiaries of Altria. Spokesman David Sutton says the lawsuit against the ban passed in the Big Apple argues regulating tobacco flavors is the purview of the federal government. Ream more »
The cigarette industry disputed critics who say that menthol flavoring increases the risks of cigarette smoking in testimony before a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel yesterday. The panel is considering limiting or banning flavoring on the grounds that it makes cigarettes more addictive and harder to quit, Shayndi Rice reports.
“Our analysis of the published scientific literature and internal studies concludes that menthol added to cigarettes does not increase the inherent health risks of smoking,” Ream more »
Not surprisingly, according to the tobacco industry, menthol cigarettes are not more dangerous than nonmenthol cigarettes, reports CNN. The announcement came at the start of a two-day federal advisory panel meeting moderated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products; the committee also includes three nonvoting members who represent industry.
The meeting is being held in Rockville, Maryland and the panel is expected to issue its recommendations on menthol-flavored cigarettes by March 23, 2011, said CNN. Ream more »
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The tobacco advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will consider next week the health impacts of menthol cigarettes, which could possibly open the doors for limitations, regulations or a ban on the flavoring, according to a Dow Jones Newswires report.
The FDA panel will hear testimony July 15 and 16, on menthol’s health risks, including whether or not the addititive masks the taste of cigarettes or makes them more addictive. Ream more »
The one year anniversary of the Tobacco Regulation Law is being celebrated today across the country. This law gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, the power to regulate the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of tobacco products.
Several new provisions will take effect today that include:
A crackdown on tobacco marketing and sales to children. Ream more »
Indonesia will ask the World Trade Organization on June 22 to rule on its complaint that a US ban on clove cigarettes aimed at preventing teenagers from starting to smoke is discriminatory.
“We will ask the panel of judges and experts to rule in favor of our complaint and also ask the organization to issue a directive demanding that the United States withdraw its discriminatory regulation on clove cigarettes,” Deputy Trade Minister Mahendra Siregar told the Jakarta Globe on Sunday.
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The FDA is slowly changing the tobacco industry. A little too slowly for some health experts who have been pushing the agency to take drastic measures against cancer causing tobacco companies. Advocates for tighter regulations on ingredients and marketing strategies are asking the FDA to step up the pace.
A new law was signed by President Barack Obama one year ago, putting the fate of the tobacco industry into the hands of the FDA. Thus far, the FDA has only made minor changes, citing the need for scientific evidence on what would be the best move for the American people. Ream more »
Announcing the ban today on World No Tobacco Day, Health Minister Daniel Andrews also launched new data showing smoking rates among Victorian teenagers had halved since 2002.
“The Brumby Government has a long history of successful tobacco reforms, which are reducing the impact of tobacco-related harm particularly among children,” Mr Andrews said.
“Even though smoking rates among teenagers are falling, we are continuing to take action by banning the sale of fruit flavoured cigarettes in Victoria.”
Mr Andrews said research has found that fruit and confectionary flavoured cigarettes were particularly appealing to young females.
“Research by Cancer Council Victoria shows that 40 per cent of 16-17 year olds females agree that lolly or fruit flavoured cigarettes made them curious to try them, and one third of males indicated the products would tempt them to try cigarettes,” he said.
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Gripped between the teeth of Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, a Cuban peasant or a Western businessman, the cigar has long been a male preserve. Read more
Yesterday, cigar maker Litto Gomez showcased his new “Air Bender” blend at two Old Virginia Tobacco locations. We caught up with him at the in-store event in Falls Church, Virginia, to try the latest release from La Flor Dominicana and get his thoughts on the ever-encroaching war against tobacco. Read more