Lung Association Applauds FDA’s Renewed Focus on Mission: Urges Swift Action on Enforcement and Improved Transparency

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to the Reagan-Udall Foundation report, which included an operational evaluation of important parts of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, from December 2022. In response, American Lung Association’s National President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement:

“The American Lung Association is pleased to see FDA’s response to the detailed findings and recommendations from the Reagan-Udall report. Over the past six months, we have seen the FDA begin to improve its commitment to implementing the Tobacco Control Act, using a stronger scientific and public health approach. 

“We are very pleased to see the recent actions taken by the U.S. Department of Justice to support enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act. Efforts from law enforcement are urgently needed to curtail the sale of illegal products on the marketplace, many of which are fueling the continued youth vaping epidemic. 

“At the same time, FDA must improve its transparency to build trust with the public and the broader health community. We remain disappointed that FDA continues to allow products for which premarket tobacco applications have not been completed to remain on the market. 

“The Lung Association strongly supports FDA’s commitment to health equity as tobacco continues to disproportionately impact different communities. The most important thing FDA can do to advance health equity is to finish its rules that will end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. 

“The Lung Association stands ready to support FDA’s efforts to implement the Tobacco Control Act and to end tobacco-caused death and disease.” 
 
For more information, contact:

Jill Dale
312-940-7001
[email protected]

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