New FDA Rule Protects Kids from Tobacco
March 18, 2010
New FDA Rule Protects Kids from Tobacco

On March 19, 2010, the FDA Center for Tobacco Products will publish a new rule that aims to protect kids from tobacco addiction and premature death from tobacco use. The new rule becomes effective June 22, 2010 and prohibits the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to youth. Sale and Distribution Regulations prohibit the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people younger than 18 as is the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in vending machines, self-service displays, or other impersonal modes of sales, except in very limited situations. The regulations also prohibit sale of cigarette packages with fewer than 20 cigarettes and restrict the distribution of free samples or smokeless tobacco products. Marketing regulations prohibit tobacco brand name sponsorship of any athletic, musical, or other social or cultural event, or any team or entry in those events; requires that audio ads use only words with no music or sound effects and prohibits the sale or distribution of items, such as hats and tee shirts, with tobacco brands or logos