Change in Tobacco Warning Labels Denied
Recently, the FDA denied the petition to change the warning labels on smokeless tobacco.
Currently, smokeless tobacco contains one of the following labels:
- WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer.
- WARNING: This product can cause gum disease and tooth loss.
- WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
- WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive.
The petition filed on behalf of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and American Snuff Company LLC, urged the FDA to change the warning of “This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.” to:
- WARNING: No tobacco product is safe, but this product presents substantially lower risks to health than cigarettes.
Or
- WARNING: No tobacco product is safe; however, exclusive use of smokeless tobacco products presents substantially less risk to health than cigarettes.
FDA denied this petition after thoroughly reviewing available scientific evidence and public comments. The agency determined there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that a change in the warnings would promote greater public understanding of the risks associated with the use of smokeless tobacco products.
For more information, see the FDA statement HERE.
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