January 19, 2017

Stanton A. Glantz, PhD

FDA issues its first product standard, to limit cancer-causing chemicals in chewing tobacco; copy posted here

The Hill just reported that the FDA has issued its first ever product standard, to limit the amount of tobacco-specific nitrosamine  N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) to 1 microgram per gram of smokeless tobacco.  The FDA would also require an expiration date on smokeless tobacco (because this carcinogen builds up over time due to bacterial action in the tobacco).
 
Here is the FDA’s summary of the proposed rule, which is scheduled to be released for public comment on Monday in the Federal Register.
 
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a tobacco product standard that would establish a limit of N-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in finished smokeless tobacco products. FDA is taking this action because NNN is a potent carcinogenic agent found in smokeless tobacco products and is a major contributor to the elevated cancer risks associated with smokeless tobacco use. Because products with higher NNN levels pose higher risks of cancer, FDA finds that establishing a NNN limit in finished smokeless tobacco products is appropriate for the protection of the public health.
 
Until the proposed rule is published on Monday, you can download it here.

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