Today, Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to require health warnings with color images for cigarette packages and advertisements:
“I am pleased to see FDA proposing a rule that follows through on the requirements to update health warning labels on cigarette packages and advertisements that I believe will promote greater understanding of the health risks associated with smoking. This update is long overdue. Recognizing the critical public health need for FDA to act, Rep. Shalala and I introduced the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act earlier this year, which outlines a comprehensive approach to combatting the recent rise in youth nicotine addiction. I welcome the steps taken by FDA today and look forward to continuing to work on a comprehensive strategy to reduce the number of Americans - particularly young Americans - using tobacco products in the United States."
Earlier this year, Chairman Pallone and Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL) introduced the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019. The legislation aims to address the sharp rise in use of tobacco and e-cigarette products among young people, and among other things would require FDA to expedite their work on graphic warning requirements for tobacco products.
