FDA Proposes Reducing Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes

The FDA has proposed a significant rule to cap nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products at 0.7 milligrams per gram, aiming to reduce addiction and smoking rates. This initiative, which could help an estimated 13 million people quit smoking within a year and prevent 48 million youths from starting, has been met with support from anti-tobacco advocates but faces uncertainty due to the upcoming Trump administration's stance. The proposal is part of a broader strategy to combat smoking-related diseases, which account for over 480,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The FDA has been exploring nicotine regulation since it was empowered by Congress in 2009, and while this move has the potential to alter the smoking landscape in the U.S., it does not apply to vaping products. Critics argue that the nicotine limit does not go far enough, calling for more stringent measures. Overall, the proposal marks a pivotal moment in tobacco regulation, although its future remains uncertain amid potential legal challenges from tobacco companies.