Federal Judge Rejects Tobacco Companies' Effort to Block Key Provisions of New Tobacco Regu...(ment has a substantial interest in prot...),Health

The court's ruling supports the portion of the FDA law that requires tobacco companies to submit for the agency's review any claims of reduced risk. The FDA is empowered to determine if the claim is scientifically justified and benefits public health. McKinley cited a pivotal ruling in the Department of Justice's racketeering lawsuit against the tobacco companies, noting that tobacco companies have a "history of advancing their bottom line by misleading consumers about the health risks associated with their products."

The groups who joined the government in supporting the FDA law are: The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Legacy Foundation, American Lung Association, American Medical Association, American Public Health Association, Kentucky Medical Association, Oncology Nursing Society and Public Citizen.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, killing more than 400,000 people and costing $96 billion in health care costs annually.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids