Document ID: FDA-2014-N-0189-6609
Agency: fda
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2014-06-17T04:00Z

Comment Info: =================

General Comment:Dear Mr. Zeller:

I am writing as an individual consumer to request an extension of the comment period for the Food and Drug Administration's ("FDA") Proposed Rule Deeming Tobacco Products to be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Family Smoking and Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the "Proposed Rule") published at 79 Fed. Reg. 23,142 and Federal Register No. 2014-09491. On behalf of myself, I am requesting that the comment period for the Proposed Rule be extended by the FDA for an additional 105 days, from its current 75-day period, to 180 days.

I can't go back to traditional cigarettes. I feel better. I cough less. Smoke is one less thing bothering my allergies. I don't want to go back. It will take time to provide the information that the FDA is requesting. Being a working American with a small amount of free time it will be hard to be able to make a compelling argument within the given time frame. The FDA has had many years to build their proposal so asking for six months isn't unreasonable. Please allow us as citizens of this great country a chance to actually take part in what is going on. This is our only opportunity, as consumers, to provide our feedback. 

I realize that the FDA has the authority under 21 CFR 10.40 to extend this time frame and that the FDA has exercised this authority on numerous occasions in the past. I would therefore ask that you do so here, so that all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their comments on this proposed regulation.

I appreciate your consideration of my request and am happy to discuss this issue with you further.