FACTBOX-Main Provisions of US Senate Tobacco Bill

Source from:  WASHINGTON, (Reuters) 07/19/2004

Here are key provisions of tobacco legislation the U.S. Senate is expected to pass late on Thursday to give the Food and Drug Administration jurisdiction over tobacco. The bill also includes a $12 billion buyout of tobacco farmer crop quotas. The bill gives the FDA power to regulate sales, distribution and advertising of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco aimed at teenagers and children. Advertising limits would be within First Amendment free speech constraints. Authorities would be able to crack down on sales to minors, requiring age verification. This would end self-service displays or vending machines that youths could access. It allows stronger warning labels on cigarette and smokeless tobacco packages and in print advertisements. The texts could be changed periodically to maximize impact. FDA can make sure industry statements or health claims about hazards or risk reduction are accurate. FDA can neither ban cigarettes nor eliminate nicotine from tobacco products. It can, however, reduce nicotine and reduce or remove other hazardous ingredients. Enditem