Academy speaks up on tobacco issues
In a historic case April 25, a US District Court in Greensboro, NC, upheld the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco as a drug. "Public safety was the big winner in today's decision," said AAFP President Patrick Harr, MD, of Maryville, MO. However, he said, "We're disappointed the judge did not also uphold the proposed rules restricting tobacco companies' advertising efforts to turn our children into addicts."
The tobacco industry is holding discussions with state attorneys general and is seeking a settlement (possibly $300 billion) in return for caps on liability claims or immunity from claims. Some state attorneys general also favor settlement. In this climate, the AAFP Board unanimously endorsed these points April 30:
- any tobacco settlement should be based on public health benefits, and
- the Academy favors FDA regulation of nicotine as a drug and regulation of tobacco advertising.
The Academy sent representatives to a discussion among public health groups May 2 in Chicago. Many participants, including the AAFP, affirmed principles any settlement should uphold, such as:
Regulatory authority. The FDA must have the authority to regulate the manufacture, sale, labeling, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products.
Victims' rights. The rights of victims of the tobacco industry to seek compensation should not be abridged, and the tobacco industry should not be immunized from accountability for its wrongdoing.
Public education and tobacco control. A public education and tobacco control campaign protected from political pressure is critical to reducing tobacco use.
- FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.