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FDA Proposes Historic Nicotine Cap in Cigarettes, Awaiting Trump Administration's Decision

Jan 15, 2025, 04:06 PM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule that aims to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products by capping their nicotine content. This proposal, released in the final days of President Joe Biden's term, would set a maximum nicotine level that could prevent the creation and sustainment of addiction among smokers. If finalized, the U.S. would become the first country to implement such a limit, potentially saving millions of lives and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf stated that this action could help nearly 13 million current smokers quit within one year and prevent roughly 48 million young people from taking up the habit. However, the incoming Trump administration will ultimately decide the fate of this proposal, as it is unlikely to be enacted before the transition of power. Companies would have 2 years to reformulate their products after the publication of a final regulation. The FDA has been working on this nicotine product standard since 2018, and it has received support from antismoking advocates who see it as a significant step toward public health improvement.