LANSING – State Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) applauded proposed rule changes announced today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that would extend its authority to the regulation of e-cigarettes. Important among these new regulations would be a requirement to have warning labels and prohibit sales to minors.
“Last year I introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors following news reports that the product had grown popular with teens,” said Singh. “I, and many others, also urged the FDA to take action and address this problem with federal guidelines. These proposed rules will go a long way toward protecting minors and helping consumers make informed decisions about the tobacco products they use.”
The news rules will be finalized at the end of a 75 day public comment period. The new rules would also expand FDA regulations to cigars, pipe tobacco, nicotine gels, hookah tobacco and other dissolvables in addition to e-cigarettes. The FDA will begin accepting commentary and research information starting April 25.