FDA targets Nicotine Levels: Proposed limits on cigarettes and tobacco in the US
The FDA proposes a nicotine cap for cigarettes and tobacco products to reduce addiction and save lives. Learn about the rule, its impact, and the next steps.
In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a rule to significantly reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and certain other tobacco products. This measure aims to combat nicotine addiction, decrease tobacco-related diseases, and lower the number of smoking-related deaths across the United States.
If implemented, the rule would make the U.S. the first country to enforce strict nicotine caps on tobacco products. The FDA's goal is to make these products less addictive, paving the way for a healthier society by reducing the number of smokers and preventing new users from becoming addicted.
Details of the FDA’s proposal in the US
The FDA’s new rule suggests a cap on nicotine content in cigarettes and other specified tobacco products at 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco. This limit is a sharp reduction compared to the average nicotine level of approximately 17.2 milligrams per gram, as recorded in the top 100 cigarette brands in 2017.
The proposed regulation would apply to a wide range of tobacco products, including:
- Cigarettes
- Cigarette tobacco
- Roll-your-own tobacco
- Most cigars
- Pipe tobacco
Notably, the rule excludes products like e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, waterpipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and premium cigars.
The FDA targets nicotine levels in cigarettes with a groundbreaking proposal to combat addiction and save lives. Photo: El País
Proposed limits on cigarettes can have an impact on public health
If the proposal is adopted, it could have far-reaching effects on public health by limiting nicotine levels in tobacco products would make them less addictive, helping smokers quit more easily and discouraging new users.
Also, lowering nicotine consumption would reduce exposure to harmful chemicals produced by tobacco combustion, leading to fewer cases of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, the reduced addictiveness of these products could prevent experimentation from leading to lifelong dependence.
The FDA has opened the proposal for public comments, encouraging input from the public and industry stakeholders. Dr. Robert Califf, FDA Commissioner, emphasized the importance of this measure: "Today's proposal envisions a future where it would be less likely for young people to use cigarettes and more individuals who currently smoke could quit or switch to less harmful products.", said to ABC News.
Despite its potential benefits, the proposal is expected to face resistance from tobacco manufacturers and certain stakeholders. Industry representatives may argue that such regulations could harm businesses and lead to an increase in counterfeit or black-market products.