COLLINS-BACKED ANTI-SMOKING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM TOBACCO ADVERTISING PASSES US SENATE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate has passed legislation, which is cosponsored by Senator Collins, that will give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate the sale, marketing, and advertising of tobacco products. The bill will also allow the FDA to restrict advertising and promotion of tobacco products, including advertising that affects children or misleads consumers, to the extent permitted under the First Amendment. The FDA could also take action to ensure that tobacco products are not sold illegally to children.

"Smoking, particularly among children, is a major threat to public health in Maine and throughout the nation. But unknown to many is that no federal agency currently has the authority to require tobacco companies to list the ingredients that are in their products or to inspect manufacturing operations," said Senator Collins.

She added, "It makes no sense that the FDA requires Philip Morris to print the ingredients in its Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, but not the ingredients in its cigarettes."

"This legislation provides the FDA with the tools it needs to provide better oversight of the tobacco industry while protecting children from the dangers of smoking," she said.

Specifically, the legislation would require tobacco manufacturers to disclose a listing of all ingredients, substances, and compounds added to the tobacco, paper, or filter. It would require a description of the content, delivery, and form of nicotine in each tobacco product. It would also require information on the health, behavioral, or physiologic effects of the tobacco products.

The bill has the support of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Philip Morris, the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and American Cancer Association.

The Collins-backed legislation was coupled with a tobacco buyout initiative and added as an amendment to a corporate tax bill.

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