Request for comment on FDA regulation

As many of you will know, President Obama recently signed the historic legislation that will give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products. In the coming months and years we will find out whether that legislation is able to truly help improve public health in this country as was intended. Interestingly, just today the FDA issued a request for public comment. So you can influence the process rather than just waiting to see what happens. I’ve copied the request for comment verbatim below so that those of you who want to can express your opinion.

“FDA NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS
For Immediate Release: June 30, 2009
Media Inquiries: Siobhan DeLancey, 301-796-4668, siobhan.delancey@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA Seeks Public Input on Tobacco Regulation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it is seeking public input on the implementation of its historic new authority overseeing tobacco products in the United States. In a Federal Register notice, the agency invites the public to provide information and share views on a wide range of topics, from product content to advertising and marketing. All public comments will be posted online.

"We're interested in receiving input from across the country as the FDA begins to implement this important new authority intended to reduce the enormous toll of suffering and death caused by tobacco products in the United States," said Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs. "We look forward to the public's response."
The Federal Register notice can be viewed at: http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-15549_PI.pdf.
For more information about the FDA and tobacco regulation, see: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm168412.htm.
ADDRESSES:

Submit electronic comments to http://www.regulations.gov.

Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA305), Food and
Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. “

Labels: FDA, jonathan foulds, regulation, tobacco

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