Institute of Medicine Report Recommends High Scientific Bar for Modified-Risk Tobacco Products

Today, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its report on recommendations to the FDA regarding the type of scientific evidence that should be required for tobacco companies to make modified risk claims under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The IOM put particular emphasis on the public health standard in the legislation and how evidence must show that modified risk claims will not only truly reduce harm to the individual user but will improve public health overall, taking into account the impact of the product and its marketing on initiation and cessation. The IOM also noted the unique history of the tobacco industry and its misleading science, as well as the harmful and addictive nature of its products, in calling for the application of rigorous science in setting standards for modified risk claims.

The full IOM report (370 pages), as well as a four page summary and press release, can be found at:http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/Scientific-Standards-for-Studies-on-Modified-Risk-Tobacco-Products.aspx

Source: Danny McGoldrick, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids