Phillip Morris Supports Limited FDA Tobacco Regulation April 11, 2001
News Summary
Philip Morris, the leading U.S. tobacco company, is lobbying Congress to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco within certain limits, Reuters reported April 11.In addition, the company has sent a position paper to the White House. According to the paper, Philip Morris stated that the FDA should have the authority to regulate tobacco, but not to ban cigarettes. The paper added that new tobacco regulations could provide more "predictability" and "stability" for its business, particularly as it develops what is billed as a less-harmful type of cigarette.
Philip Morris said Congress should give the FDA the authority to develop new, larger warning labels and to require disclosures about harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. Furthermore, the company said the FDA should be given the power to test and regulate ingredients added to tobacco to determine whether they make cigarettes more dangerous or addictive.
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