Blumenthal Statement on Proposed FDA Rule to Limit Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the below statement today after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule to limit the level of nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products, including most cigars and pipe tobacco:

“The FDA’s proposed rule to establish a low-nicotine product standard has the potential to benefit millions of Americans, save lives, and reduce smoking-related disease. Research has repeatedly shown that reducing nicotine levels could significantly increase the number of people who quit smoking as well as prevent people, especially youth and young adults, from becoming addicted to begin with. That is why I have called for a strong rule from the FDA, and why I will continue to advocate for the new administration to finalize and implement this rule and protect the public’s health.”

Last month, Blumenthal wrote to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young and Administrator of Information and Regulatory Affairs Richard L. Revesz urging the agency to approve a proposed rule from the FDA to establish a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Blumenthal’s letter to OMB is available here.

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