FDA regulations on Tobacco

Just this past week when sitting down to some television during dinner, I had noticed that there had been an increase in tobacco warning commercials that were pretty graphic in nature. So out of curiosity, I went on my computer and started looking up the regulations on tobacco products and what  impact the FDA has on the matter.

 In 2009, there was a law that was established that gave the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products. Beginning in June 2012, these large tobacco companies are required to submit a list of the harmful ingredients that are within their products to the FDA. This list will state the ingredients that could have adverse health affects on consumers and the quantity that is found in each brand. The FDA mentioned that the lists will not include all of the harmful ingredients because their primary focus is on only a handful of specific diseases associated with smoking.The outcome that the FDA is trying to accomplish from implementing regulations and exposing harmful substances to consumers is to inform Americans of the facts of smoking and to lower the death rate due to consumption of tobacco.

After reading through some articles, I felt that the FDA in this situation is doing a rather good job in supplying the facts and information to consumers regarding the adverse health affects from smoking. At the end of the day, we all make our own choices and decisions, so responsibility of making a "good" choice falls on the consumer. All of the information is right in front of us saying that tobacco is horrible for your health, so if you choose to use the product, then you are assuming the risk associated with it. The FDA will not be there to slap you on the hands as that is not their job. 

F.D.A. Unveils Proposed Graphic Warning Labels for Cigarette Packs

FDA Creates List of Harmful Elements in Tobacco Smoke, Products