Legislation allowing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the sale and marketing of tobacco products also requires a government research study on the health effects of tobacco candy, the Detroit Free Press reported May 20.

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. manufactures "Camel Orb" -- a smokeless-tobacco product that comes in lozenge form. Health experts fear that such products may be particularly appealing to children because of their packaging (Camel Orb is designed to look like a cell phone) and flavors (such as "mellow" and "fresh" mint).

The bill requires that the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee analyze the health risks associated with tobacco candy, including specific risks to children. The amendment calls for a report to the FDA within two years.

"Tobacco candies are clearly designed to appeal to children through both packaging and taste," said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). "Congress and the FDA must act quickly to ensure our children do not become victims of the tobacco companies' latest efforts to hook new generations of Americans on deadly products."