Dr. Robert Califf, the FDA commissioner, expressed the FDA’s concern about the 480,000 Americans who die each year from tobacco-related illnesses during a congressional budget hearing on April 18. The discussion at the hearing also touched on the proliferation of illegal Chinese nicotine vaporizers and potential regulations on menthol cigarettes. Dr. Califf emphasized the importance of addressing tobacco-related health concerns and the challenges posed by illegally imported Chinese nicotine vaporizers. He requested additional resources to combat this issue effectively. Additionally, the conversation highlighted the impact of menthol cigarettes, particularly within the black community, and the FDA’s intention to prohibit their sale. The ongoing efforts to regulate tobacco products and prevent youth access to nicotine vapes were also discussed during the hearing.
Dr. Califf mentioned that unless there are court cases or âdelay tacticsâ from tobacco companies, the FDA is expected to have its menthol proposal submitted by the middle of the year.
âWeâre currently 94 percent done,â he added.
