The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put the cigarette industry on notice that it plans to cut nicotine levels in their products to “non-addictive levels” as part of a policy shift to controlling tobacco addiction.

FDA said an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) will be issued “shortly” to collect input on potential public health benefits and possible adverse effects of lowering nicotine content in cigarettes. “Because nicotine lives at the core of both the problem and the solution to the question of addiction, addressing the addictive levels of nicotine in combustible cigarettes must be part of the FDA’s strategy for addressing the devastating, addiction crisis that is threatening American families,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
Nicotine and the question of addiction will be moved to the centre of FDA’s tobacco regulation efforts, the agency said. Flavoured tobacco products, including menthol, will be the subject of an ANPRM seeking input on the role they may play in attracting youth. The health impact of premium cigars will be the focus of another ANPRM.
Altria, the owner of Philip Morris USA which controls about half the US cigarette market, commented on the proposed nicotine curbs in a statement that said: “It’s important to understand that any proposed rule such as a nicotine product standard must be based on science and evidence, must not lead to unintended consequences and must be technically achievable. Establishing a standard of any sort is a deliberative process, with multiple opportunities for interested parties to provide perspectives.”
FDA also rolled back deadlines (see separate story) set last year under the deeming rule that expanded the list of regulated tobacco products. Non-combustible products including e-liquids and vaping devices were given until 8 August 2022 to submit approval request for their products. Combustible products including cigars, pipe tobacco and shisha were extended until 8 August 2021.