Exactly a year after the government gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate the tobacco industry, new provisions are now in effect. Effective Tuedsay, cigarette labels such as “light,” “low tar” and “mild” are banned. Bolder health warnings will be required on smokeless tobacco products and advertising. Also, the FDA will begin cracking down on tobacco ads directed at kids. Rules that will now be enforced to include a ban on all tobacco brand sponsorships of entertainment venues and sports teams, and banning free giveaways of merchandise with the purchase of tobacco products. Beginning yesterday, cigarettes will be placed behind store counters and out of reach of children. Also, the sale of cigarettes in packs of less than 20 is prohibited, eliminating so-called “kiddie packs” that make the product more affordable.
During the first year of the new law, candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes have been banned. In addition, a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee has begun a probe into the use of menthol cigarettes.
