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FDA boss questions move for agency to regulate tobacco industry

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ndrew von Eschenbach, the head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, has questioned efforts by Congress to have the agency regulate the tobacco industry.

The FDA commissioner has expressed his concerns about the bill which is being considered in both the House and Senate.

The bill proposes that the FDA monitor cigarette labeling, restrict their sales, prohibit flavored cigarettes and recall tobacco products seen as unreasonably harmful.

The legislation would mean the FDA would also have to approve all new cigarettes and other tobacco products, and set standards for so-called reduced-risk products but the agency would not have the power to ban cigarettes or require nicotine levels of zero under the bill.

The commissioner is concerned that the bill could undermine the public health role of FDA, because it would link the agency to tobacco products, which are harmful.

Dr. von Eschenbach says this could confuse the public and also have a 'perverse incentive effect'.

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