Statement attributable to:
Andrew W. Gurman, M.D.
President, American Medical Association

“The American Medical Association (AMA) applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for taking action today against four tobacco manufacturers for selling flavored cigarettes to youth. Tobacco products that appeal to young people are aimed at hooking them for life. Stamping out smoking early can prevent a new generation of smokers.

“The AMA has been a longtime supporter of efforts to keep tobacco products out of the hands of young people, including its advocacy for state and local laws that prohibit the sale or distribution of flavored tobacco products. Most recently, the AMA adopted new policy reaffirming its commitment to preventing tobacco use amongst youth by renewing its call for raising the minimum legal purchase age of all tobacco products to 21. According to a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, raising the minimum legal purchase age of tobacco products to 21 could result in a 12-percent decrease in smoking prevalence amongst the nation’s youth.

“The AMA also adopted new policy last month calling on the FDA to require tobacco companies to add color, graphic warning labels to all cigarette packages that depict the negative health consequences of smoking.

“As part of the AMA’s effort to improve the health of the nation, we will continue to advocate for more stringent policies to protect our country’s youth from the dangers of tobacco use and improve public health.”