"The AMA is concerned that the federal government received failing grades for its tobacco control legislation and policies," Dr. Ronald M. Davis, AMA President, said Thursday. "It's a cruel irony that tobacco, the number one cause of preventable death, is one of the least regulated products."
Davis was reacting to the Tobacco Control 2007 report of the American Lung Association that tracks progress on key tobacco control policies in the United States
"This report serves as a reminder that we need meaningful legislative reforms to give the FDA strong regulatory authority over tobacco products," he said.
"While some states have made progress, it is troubling that 32 states received failing grades for tobacco prevention and control funding. By spending more on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, states have the ability to save lives and stop new smokers before they start," he said.
Congress is poised to pass the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act to give the FDA oversight over tobacco products, legislation that will curb the marketing of cigarettes to children and teens.
