Washington, D.C., June 22, 2010 – Long-awaited regulations granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) full authority to effectively regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sales of tobacco products to youth go in effect today. The American Public Health Association (APHA) recognizes the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act as a long overdue yet critical component to preventing disease and promoting the health of children in communities across the country.
“Today represents the culmination of more than a decade-long battle to stop Big Tobacco in its tracks from recruiting and addicting the next generation of tobacco users,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP, (E), executive director of APHA. “Implementing this important law is a true turning point in the pursuit to protect the health of our children and nation.”
Below is a list of regulations to be implemented:
- A ban on the use of the words “light,” “low” and “mild” to describe products
- Disclosing all ingredients on tobacco products
- Prohibiting tobacco brand name sponsorship of any athletic or social events
- More visible warning labels on smokeless tobacco
- A national ban on the sale of tobacco products to people under age 18
- A ban on free tobacco samples and giveaways of non-tobacco products
APHA commends Congress and the president for their leadership in making the historic legislation a reality. APHA advocated strongly in support of the monumental legislation, stands ready to help the FDA implement this lifesaving law to its fullest extent and will continue to advocate for strong tobacco control policy.
Today marks the first anniversary of the law’s enactment when it was signed into law by the president on June 22, 2009.
For more about APHA, visit www.apha.org.