The FDA has recently implemented a final rule that will have a significant impact on tobacco retailers across the country. With the signing of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2019, the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21. This means that retailers will now have to verify the age of anyone under 30 who is attempting to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The rule is set to take effect on September 30, and it aims to decrease underage tobacco sales.
According to Brian King, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, this rule is a crucial step in safeguarding the nation’s youth from the harmful effects of tobacco products. Research has shown that the vast majority of adults who smoke daily began smoking before the age of 21. By enforcing strict age restrictions on tobacco sales, the FDA hopes to prevent young people from becoming addicted to tobacco and suffering from related health issues.
The FDA has been actively enforcing the federal minimum age of sale for tobacco products, even after the age was raised to 21. The agency has conducted over 1.5 million compliance checks on tobacco retailers to ensure that they are following the regulations. As a result, there have been 134,000 warning letters issued, more than 33,000 civil money penalties imposed, and 230 no-tobacco-sale orders issued for violations of federal age restrictions. These efforts are part of ongoing federal initiatives to protect young people from accessing tobacco products.
In addition to enforcement actions, the FDA is also providing retailers with resources to help them comply with tobacco laws and regulations. This includes information on which tobacco products can legally be marketed in the U.S., available through the Searchable Tobacco Products Database. By offering support and guidance to retailers, the FDA aims to ensure that they are equipped to uphold the new age restrictions for tobacco sales.
The recent rule changes regarding the minimum age of sale for tobacco products represent a critical development in the fight against youth tobacco use. By raising the age to 21 and implementing stricter verification requirements for retailers, the FDA is taking significant steps to protect young people from the harmful effects of tobacco. Through continued enforcement efforts and support for retailers, the agency is working to create a safer and healthier environment for future generations.
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