Tobacco Regulation Bill Becomes Law

President Barack Obama has signed into law a sweeping tobacco bill thatwill drastically change how is regulated and marketed in theUnited States.

The legislation, known as "The Family Smoking Prevention andTobacco Control Act," grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)power over the sale, production, and marketing of cigarettes and othertobacco products. It also includes provisions specifically designed todecrease youth smoking.

"Today, thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans,health care and consumer advocates, the decades-long effort to protectour children from the harmful effects of tobacco has emergedvictorious. Today, change has come to Washington," said President Obamaduring the bill signing ceremony at the White House Rose Garden. "Thislaw will save American lives and make Americans healthier."

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed thebill by overwhelming margins earlier this month.

John R. Seffrin, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the AmericanCancer Society and its advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer SocietyCancer Action Network (ACS CAN), called the law "lifesaving."

"Forty-Five years after tobacco smoke was first found to behazardous to health, tobacco products will finally be regulated -products which kill more than 400,000 people in America each year,"said Seffrin. "This lifesaving new law has the potential to break thedeadly cycle of addiction and put an end to Big Tobacco’s targeting ofour nation’s children."

The bill requires cigarette makers disclose productingredients to the FDA and prohibits them from using misleading labelssuch as "low tar" or "light" on cigarette packages. It also imposesbans on candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes, which often appeal tokids and teenagers. The bill also holds tobacco companies to marketingrestrictions – for example, they will no longer be allowed to advertisenear schools or sponsor entertainment and sporting events.

The American Cancer Society's advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN,worked tirelessly in support of this bill.

"Today’s signing culminates an effort of more than a decade toregulate a rogue industry whose business is addiction," said Daniel E.Smith, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network(ACS CAN). "Every day, 3,500 children pick up their first cigarette and1,000 children become addicted smokers. This law will help to reduceyouth smoking and help save lives."

Reviewed by:Members of the