Posted on: Friday, September 24, 2004

EDITORIAL
FDA regulation of tobacco sorely needed

Anti-tobacco forces across the country undoubtedly heaved a sigh of relief this week when the Justice Department announced it would proceed with a huge racketeering lawsuit against the country's major tobacco companies.

The suit originated in the Clinton administration. It follows similar lawsuits by the states and it seeks to recover some $280 billion in profits generated by an alleged scheme to defraud the public about the dangers of smoking.

Tobacco companies say the public has long been aware of the health risks associated with smoking.

At one point, it appeared that the lawsuit had no future as well. The Bush administration was talking about settling.

But Attorney General John Ashcroft this week said the lawsuit would proceed, with a focus on keeping cigarettes away from young people.

A worthy goal. But that same goal could be accomplished more quickly and likely less expensively if Congress and the White House would simply agree to put tobacco under the authority of the federal Food and Drug Administration.

The White House has shown little interest in this approach. And in Congress, a regulation bill is in danger because it has been paired with an expensive ($10 billion) buyout plan for tobacco farmers.

FDA regulation would not make tobacco illegal. But it would be controlled and regulated in a way that would more swiftly and surely achieve Ashcroft's goal: keeping it out of the hands of young people.