Today was the FDA public listening session, "Developing FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products’ Strategic Plan." CASAA CEO Alex Clark spoke on behalf of consumers of safer alternatives to smoking.
Alex focused his statement on FDA Goals #3 and #4:
3. Ensure Compliance of Regulated Industry and Tobacco Products Utilizing All Available Tools, Including Robust Enforcement Actions.
Alex pointed out that strict enforcement has increased black market activity.
He also warns a robust and honest education and deprograming campaign must be developed that includes useful information about modified risk products and encouragement for people who smoke to try multiple strategies, including the use of low-risk alternatives to cigarettes.
4. Improve Public Health by Enhancing Knowledge and Understanding of CTP Tobacco Product Regulation and the Risks Associated with Tobacco Product Use.
Alex acknowledged the $2.5 million funding opportunity to research messages about modified risk products and how it was better late than never to figure out how to tell the truth about the risk continuum among nicotine products.
He urged FDA to examine what is needed to undo misperceptions of risk associated with nicotine and be transparent in how youth uptake of nicotine products is weighted when assessing outcomes of these messages.
Finally, he took FDA to task regarding misleading campaigns designed with the singular purpose of scaring kids away from tobacco or frightening adults to quit smoking, calling for FDA to take a leadership role in ensuring that consumers & healthcare providers are accurately informed about ALL strategies and products that can improve the health of people who smoke. It is simply not enough to rely on third-party groups to disseminate accurate information about safer alternatives to smoking!
The virtual listening session is free and open to the public.
www.fda.gov
