The Regulatory Capture of FDA’s Tobacco Policy—And How to Reverse It

Jeffrey Weiss

ABSTRACT

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Passage of the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (TCA) placed regulatory oversight for tobacco products with the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the newly formed Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) has not met expectations for significant tobacco harm reduction. A formal review has recommended that FDA establish a five-year Strategic Plan to refocus on the public health goals of the TCA. This Article explores the path of the CTP and interest group involvement and proposes elements for FDA to consider in formulating that plan.