The FDA regulation proscribing sale of tobacco products to those under 18 and limiting distribution pathways, as recommended in IOMs 1994 report, is an important first step but will require funds sufficient to ensure adequate enforcement. Despite the steps taken by FDA, federal regulation of advertising, promoting, labeling, packaging, and contents of tobacco products is incomplete. Federal regulatory efforts through FDA, the Federal Trade Commission, and other agencies must be strengthened to approach the full range of actions recommended in 1994. The federal government must study, monitor, and evaluate tobacco control measures. The federal government should continue to support research, monitoring, and evaluation, regardless of whether a settlement is implemented.
New knowledge is needed to guide policy choices.
Youth initiation rates have risen in recent years, for example, but the reasons are not fully understood, nor are the factors that underlie substantial differences in tobacco use among population subgroups. The 1994 report noted the importance of research to understand and improve behavioral and public health interventions. Generating new knowledge will become even more important as tobacco control activities escalate. Supporting research, monitoring and evaluation is a federal responsibility. We appreciate your consideration of this letter.