The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule that would effectively ban cigarettes on the market in favor of those with lower levels of nicotine. The agency aims to limit the level of nicotine in tobacco products, making them minimally or non-addictive.
If finalized, this move would make the United States the first country globally to take such an action, aiming to prevent and reduce smoking-related disease and death. The proposal envisions a future where young people are less likely to use cigarettes and more individuals who currently smoke could quit or switch to less harmful products.
The proposed rule caps nicotine levels at 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco in cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products, significantly lower than the average concentration on the market today. However, experts warn that this move may benefit organized crime cartels running black market sales of cigarettes, potentially leading to an increase in illicit tobacco operations.
The Biden administration is facing criticism over its proposal, with some arguing it would unfairly target minority communities and create a black market for menthol cigarettes. The FDA first announced its intent to propose such a rule in 2018 and intends to seek input on the proposal through public comment and the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee.
The move comes after the administration’s previous effort to ban menthol cigarettes was delayed due to public opposition. Other states, like Massachusetts, have already banned menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco, but the federal proposal has garnered significant attention and criticism from various groups.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-plows-ahead-11th-hour-plan-effectively-ban-cigarettes