Statement attributable to:
Barbara L. McAneny, M.D.
President, American Medical Association
“Today’s action—aimed at keeping harmful tobacco products out of the hands of young people—is a step in the right direction, with potential to prevent addiction and disease, save lives, and improve the health of the nation. Still, the FDA can do much more to address this epidemic, beginning by creating a non-addictive nicotine level standard for all tobacco products, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes. The FDA should also prohibit the use of characterizing flavors that enhance the appeal of these products to youth. Increasing the awareness of the harmful nature of these products and their addictive power is the only way to prevent another generation of Americans from developing nicotine dependence. The AMA will continue to advocate for more stringent policies to help keep all harmful tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, out of the hands of our nation’s youth.”
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
