Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) Provides FDA with Evidence Which Compels an Examination of the Health Effects of Counterfeit Cigarettes

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Notwithstanding a law that directs the FDA Tobacco Advisory Committee to review the health effects of counterfeit tobacco, the Tobacco Advisory Committee continues to ignore the law. In response to this dereliction of duty, the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness sent the following email to the FDA and its Advisory Committee.

It should be noted that when FDA regulates tobacco it is imperative that it not be able to pick and choose at will which studies are to be considered and those which are to be ignored; it must examine the totality of the record. It is difficult to understand why an agency charged with protecting public health would not want to examine the health effects of counterfeit cigarettes which are recognized throughout the world as having a demonstrable record of extremely adverse health impacts.

From: Jim Tozzi

To: TPSAC

Cc: Peggy Hamburg; Corinne Husten; Lawrence Deyton

Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 12:58 AM

Subject: Data Submission Per the TPSAC Chair

TPSAC:

Dr. Samet stated that February 15 is the date by which TPSAC must receive information from the public in order that it be considered for inclusion in its forthcoming report.

CRE is presenting three documents all of which demonstrate that contraband cigarettes pose a serious health problem and that TPSAC is required by statute to address this issue in its study of menthol.

Jim Tozzi

Center for Regulatory Effectiveness

Express your views on this website http://www.thecre.com:80/tpsac/?p=1119

Attached Files:

• Samet
• Health Effects of Contraband.
• Smokers of illicit tobacco report

Attachments also available at  http://www.thecre.com:80/tpsac/?p=1119

SOURCE Center for Regulatory Effectiveness