FDA Names Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee Members

The panel's first order of business will be to look at menthol flavoring in cigarettes.

March 03, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has named the nine members to its Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, which will offer the agency advice on tobacco regulation, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.

The committee will consider nicotine content and reduced-risk products, among other tobacco-related issues. Seven committee members are medical doctors or health professionals. Of the other two, one represents the general public and the other state governments. The panel also will have a trio of nonvoting members, including a tobacco manufacturer, tobacco grower and small business manufacturer. The group will host public meetings at least four times annually.

"We think that the establishment of the tobacco products scientific advisory committee brings an opportunity to provide what we think is really important, which is a science-based regulatory agenda," said David Sylvia, a spokesman for Altria Group Inc.

In its first public hearing, the committee will take a look at menthol flavoring in cigarettes, Reuters reports. During the March 30-31 meeting, panelists will consider the health impact of the additive. A second meeting is scheduled for later in 2010.

The panel??s recommendations, as well as any potential regulatory rulings, could possibly harm Lorillard, the country??s third-biggest cigarette maker and manufacturer of menthol brand Newport. "It??s the beginning of a long, slow funeral procession for menthol," said Ira Loss of Washington Analysis Corp.

This hearing will give the first public look at how the agency will handle the tobacco industry since it received authority to regulate the substance.

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