Parker Waichman LLP

FDA To Name Head of Tobacco Division

A director is soon to be named to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) new tobacco division. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said she plans on announcing the head of the new post this week, reported CNN. Although Commissioner Hamburg did say she personally interviewed six potential candidates, she declined to say who is in line […]

A director is soon to be named to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) new <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/toxic_substances">tobacco division. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said she plans on announcing the head of the new post this week, reported CNN.

Although Commissioner Hamburg did say she personally interviewed six potential candidates, she declined to say who is in line for the pending position and from where that individual comes, industry or a public health agency, said CNN.

This past June, President Barack Obama signed The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act into law. The law will allow the federal government broad authority over tobacco products and will also allow regulators to control cigarette packaging and marketing as well as how much nicotine—the addictive component in cigarettes—is added in tobacco products, explained the Washington Post previously.

With this new authority, the FDA began its search for a head—a so-called Tobacco Czar—to manage the newly planned tobacco division, noted CNN. CNN said that an ad for the job indicated that the FDA was seeking a “politically savvy” candidate who is not only versed in Congressional inner workings, but who also has “scientific expertise and experience in toxicology, epidemiology, and public health.”

In addition to charging cigarette makers an annual fee for the regulation, flavored cigarettes will be banned by this fall and shortly after—by January—tobacco manufacturers and importers will be required to provide the FDA with the ingredients used in their products, said USA Today, previously. By April 2010, those makers will no longer be permitted to place their logos on “sporting, athletic or entertainment events, or on clothing and other promotional items,” said USA Today, adding that by July 2010, verbiage including the words “light,” “low,” or “mild” will be banned from tobacco product marketing. Finally, by 2011, all tobacco products must “carry larger and stronger warning labels,” reported USA Today.

CNN noted that the law impacts companies such as Lorillard Inc. (LO), which is best known for its Newport brand, and Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), which makes—for example—Camel and Winston cigarettes. Also, under the new law, company marketing will be limited to black and white ads, added CNN.

Commissioner Hamburg explained that the new tobacco division is expected to contain hundreds of FDA staff and that the agency is also working reorganize the commissioner’s office, said CNN. A nationwide search for a food safety deputy commissioner is also planned and will, “be very important as part of our overall effort to modernize and strengthen food safety,” Hamburg said, quoted CNN. The announcements were made this Monday, to medical experts discussing “the state of science” at the agency, said CNN.

Information technology and the safety of the toxic, plastic-hardening chemical, Bisphenol-A, were also discussed. Various studies have found links between the estrogenic chemical and a wide array of adverse health effects, including behavioral, cardiac, developmental, and neurological issues, to name just some.

The agency had been roundly criticized for relying on industry studies for its findings that BPA is safe at current levels. Under its new administration, the FDA is reviewing the chemical, with an acting science chief handling the review; the agency’s recommendation is expected this November, said CNN.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Jody Ryerson
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I have the highest level of confidence in Parker Waichman. They are one of the very brightest law firms I have ever known. Their recent very successful settlement of my case, is another indication of how skilled they are.
Myles Haught
8 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I had a very good experience with the people at PW. No issues at all
Peggy Corrigan
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038