The FDA is also examining options for regulating both menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco products other than cigarettes, it said.
"Almost 90% of adult smokers start smoking as teenagers. These flavored cigarettes are a gateway for many children and young adults to become [image-nocss] regular smokers," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "The FDA will utilize regulatory authority to reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco products to enhance our nation's public health."
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H., said, "The FDA's ban on these cigarettes will break that cycle for the more than 3,600 young people who start smoking daily."
The FDA is taking several steps to enforce the ban. A letter recently sent to the tobacco industry provided information about the law, and explained that any company who continues to make, ship or sell such products may be subject to FDA enforcement actions.
(Click here for previous CSP Daily News coverage.)
The FDA has also made available an advisory to parents on the risks associated with flavored tobacco products.
Officials are encouraging consumers to notify authorities of any potential violations of the ban, reported the Associated Press.
Executives from leading health groups urged the FDA last month to take a closer look at alleged attempts to sidestep the ban by making superficial changes that turn a cigarette into a small cigar in order to keep selling flavored products.
In June, President Barack Obama signed the law that allows the FDA regulate the industry. Its authority includes the ability to ban certain products, reduce nicotine in tobacco products and block labels such "low tar" and "light." Tobacco companies also will be required to cover their cartons with large, graphic warnings. The law won't let the FDA ban nicotine or tobacco outright, but the agency will be able to regulate what goes into tobacco products, make public the ingredients and prohibit marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.
Richmond, Va.-based Altria Group Inc., owner of market-leading Philip Morris USA, supported the legislation, while its chief rivalsNo. 2 Reynolds American Inc. and No. 3 Lorillard Inc., both based in North Carolinaopposed it. The latter two have joined in a lawsuit with other smaller tobacco companies challenging specific marketing regulations of the law. (Click here for previous coverage.)
Click herefor the FDA's webpage on the subject.
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