Durbin Says New FDA Controls of Tobacco Industry Will Save Lives

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Chicago Public Radio By: Travis Truitt

New regulations giving the Food and Drug Administration more control over the tobacco industry go into effect today.

Cigarette makers are no longer allowed to use terms like "light," "low" or "mild" when advertising cigarettes and smokeless products.

Proponents of the law say labels such as "low-tar" give the false impression that some cigarettes are less harmful than others.

Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin says the law will save lives and protect kids.

DURBIN: The tobacco companies -- still very profitable, with billions of dollars to spend -- are setting out to find a new class of customers, a new class of addicts. And they're going after our kids.

Sales of cigarettes to minors under 18 are now a federal violation. Tobacco companies won't be allowed to sponsor athletic or cultural events. And they can no longer offer free samples or sell cigarettes in packages of less than 20.