From the Prevent Cancer Foundation website, 25th May 2018 

The House Appropriations Committee approved the 2019 Agriculture Appropriations bill last week to fund programs and services that support food safety, rural development, agriculture trade and nutrition. The bill includes an amendment offered by Representatives Tom Cole (Republican, Oklahoma) and Sanford Bishop (Democrat, Georgia) that substantially weakens the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight on several tobacco products.

The amendment completely exempts “large and premium cigars” from FDA regulation, which could include, cheap, unsafe flavored cigars that attract children. It also makes it easier for tobacco companies to introduce new products without an FDA review to assess potential health risks.

Tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer, which is one of the most deadly diseases in the United States. The FDA protects consumers from potentially harmful products, especially ones that appeal to children; however, the new amendment weakens its ability to do so. We will keep a close eye on the legislation and continue to provide updates.