The Bush administration’s reason for opposing a bill giving the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products defies logic. According to a spokeswoman, the White House fears that FDA oversight could make the public think that regulated tobacco products are safe. But if tobacco products aren’t safe, why should they remain unregulated? Short of an outright ban, FDA control is the best way to minimize the danger of cigarettes and other tobacco products that are marketed ever more creatively to the public. A House committee voted 38-12 on Wednesday to advance a bill that would give the FDA authority over the sale, advertising, and distribution of tobacco products. It would provide for stronger warnings on cigarette packs; require the removal of harmful ingredients; prohibit misleading health claims; and enforce the law on sales to minors. The FDA could ban candy-flavored cigarettes, for example, or vending machine sales where a consumer’s age can’t be checked. Because a similar bill passed a Senate committee last year, the House vote was a major step closer to regulation, which former FDA commissioner David Kessler called for back in 1995. Opponents are increasingly isolated. The bill has 218 House and […]