American Lung Association Supports New Tobacco Law

Banning Candy Flavored Cigarettes a Step Forward

(September 29, 2009)—

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently put the tobacco companies on notice by banning the sale of candy-, fruit- and clove-flavored cigarettes. The move was authorized by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which President Obama signed in June.

“For years we were unable to get flavored cigarettes off the market, but thanks to our New England Congressional delegation, the FDA now has authority over tobacco products. Tobacco companies have been selling flavors that clearly target children but claiming they are targeting the flavored-coffee-drinking adult population. I don’t know of any coffee shop that sells bubble gum or tutti-fruity-flavored coffee,” said Jane Reardon, APRN and chair of the board of directors of the American Lung Association of New England.

“We know that flavored cigarettes are a gateway to regular cigarettes for many children. We also know that kids are three times more likely to smoke a flavored cigarette than an adult. This bold action by the FDA is certain to make strides in reducing smoking among children,” she added.

The American Lung Association was a strong supporter of the new law that brings tobacco product regulation under the FDA. “It was a long and hard battle to get the law passed and now we are beginning to see the benefits of our work,” Reardon noted.