Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FDA Brings E-Cigarettes Under Federal Authority With Sweeping New Rules
The Wall Street Journal: FDA to Regulate E-Cigarettes, Ban Sales to Minors
The U.S. government on Thursday said it was assuming regulatory authority over e-cigarettes and all other tobacco products with rules that will prohibit sales to anyone under 18 and require manufacturers to submit products for approval. The Food and Drug Administration rules have the potential to upend the $3.5 billion e-cig industry. Many of the small vape shops, device manufacturers and liquid nicotine producers won’t be able to afford the FDA’s approval process, which could cost anywhere from $2 million to $10 million per item, according to the regulatory consulting company SciLucent LLC. (Mickle, 5/5)
The Washington Post: New, Sweeping Federal Rules Bar E-Cigarette Sales To Teens Younger Than 18
The new requirements, which go into effect in 90 days, mark the first time the Food and Drug Administration has regulated any of the items. The rules compel retailers to verify the age of purchasers by photo identification and bar sales of the products in vending machines that are accessible to minors. They also ban the distribution of free samples. In addition, the FDA is generally requiring manufacturers whose products went on sale after Feb. 15, 2007, to get approval from the agency to continue selling their products. (McGinley and Dennis, 5/5)
The New York Times: F.D.A. Issues Tighter Rules For E-Cigarettes In A Landmark Move
“The process has started, and it has been incredibly difficult,” said Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a health advocacy group. “This gives the F.D.A. the authority right away to prohibit some of the most outrageous marketing claims. It imposes nationwide rules that makes it illegal to sell to kids under 18 with real enforcement authority.” (Tavernise, 5/5)
Politico: FDA To Regulate E-Cigarettes Like Tobacco
Lobbyists for premium cigars had lobbied hard for an exemption from the new policy, but they also were given no quarter in the final rule. The rule was first proposed nearly two years ago. Anti-smoking advocate organizations had worried the Obama administration would water it down in the face of intense lobbying. (Norman and Karlin-Smith, 5/5)
STAT: FDA Issues Sweeping Regulations For E-Cigarettes For First Time
The safety of e-cigarettes has been a topic of heated debate. Manufacturers insist they’re safer than tobacco cigarettes and are an effective way to help people stop smoking, but public health groups insist they’re still dangerous and need to be regulated. (Nather and Scott, 5/5)
