FDA Under Fire for Being Influenced by External Forces

Nov.02.2022
FDA Under Fire for Being Influenced by External Forces
FDA is facing confusion and external influences, according to reviews submitted to the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products.

According to some comments submitted to the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) performance evaluation under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) given to Reagan-Udall, the FDA is in disarray and influenced by external forces rather than scientific research.


In July, after facing criticism for its handling of shortages in baby formula and the review of electronic cigarettes, the FDA appointed an independent review of its food and tobacco programs. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf chose the Reagan-Udall Foundation, a non-profit research group created by Congress to support the work of the FDA, to carry out the review.


As part of its work, the Reagan-Udall Foundation has been seeking feedback from stakeholders.


Many commentaries depict the image of an institution striving to accomplish its mission.


A commentator stated that the PMTA reviewers at the CTP Office of Science lacked autonomy to exercise "best scientific practices" in reviewing PMTAs prior to their market entrance.


The individual wrote, "Scientific dissent, even if not completely suppressed, is unwelcome and punished through various indirect means (such as a lack of tasks, projects, and other opportunities required for career development/promotion).


In some departments, such as non-clinical scientific departments, the leadership pushes a mentality of "must-haves" onto employees, which does not support the reviewers in fulfilling their basic duties to provide fair reviews using the best available science.


Another commenter claimed that an arbitrary and politically driven timeline set by external forces, such as judges, is driving the review process rather than allowing for a thorough scientific review. "When mistakes are found, CTP reviewers are blamed, when in fact the lack of sufficient time to complete the review is the mistake.


The commentator wrote: "Staff are exhausted and constantly told to do more in even less time, and are blamed for not meeting crazy deadlines. Even when they complete reviews and make scientific decisions, they can be overruled by political agendas and forced to change their decisions.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry exchange and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and we cannot confirm the authenticity and accuracy of its content. The translation of this article is intended solely for discussion and research within the industry.


Due to limitations in translation abilities, the translated article may not fully express the original content. Therefore, please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains full alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related statements and positions.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

New Nicotine Products Added to Tax List in Delaware Budget Proposal
New Nicotine Products Added to Tax List in Delaware Budget Proposal
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer’s proposed FY2027 budget would significantly raise cigarette and nicotine product taxes to help close a $500 million budget gap and generate new revenue. The cigarette tax would rise from $2.10 to $3.60 per pack, with increases on moist snuff, e-liquids and other tobacco products. Supporters say the move is justified, while small businesses warn of potential sales losses.
Feb.17
South Dakota Senate Committee Advances Bill Tightening Nicotine Retail Rules
South Dakota Senate Committee Advances Bill Tightening Nicotine Retail Rules
South Dakota Senate Bill 221 (SB 221), which seeks to regulate the retail sale of nicotine products, has passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with a unanimous 7–0 recommendation. The bill was significantly amended, expanding from three to nine pages and shifting its focus from vapor products alone to all nicotine products.
Regulations
Feb.22
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s federal prosecutors sue for strict e-cigarette rules, urging regulation over a “paper ban”
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) has filed a public civil action seeking to compel the federal government and Anvisa to establish a strict, enforceable regulatory framework for electronic smoking devices, replacing the current blanket ban. The lawsuit calls for mandatory product registration, nicotine caps, bans on youth-targeted advertising, and clear health warnings on packaging, and demands a national consumption report and an implementation timetable within 90 days.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico will enforce an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes from January 16, 2026, under a reform published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) amending the General Health Law.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Georgia Lawmakers Push School Safety Bills Targeting Phones, Vaping and Firearm Safety Education
Georgia Lawmakers Push School Safety Bills Targeting Phones, Vaping and Firearm Safety Education
Georgia lawmakers are weighing new education bills that would tighten classroom phone rules, introduce firearm safety education from an early age, and require vape detectors in all high schools. Supporters argue the measures are needed to address mounting concerns around student safety, mental health and the growing presence of vaping on campuses.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT rolls out VELO nicotine pouches in Argentina as social media buzzes about ZYN distribution
BAT rolls out VELO nicotine pouches in Argentina as social media buzzes about ZYN distribution
BAT Argentina says it has launched VELO nicotine pouches in Argentina, positioning the product as an adult alternative that contains no tobacco and involves no combustion. At the same time, social media discussion and media reporting indicate that Philip Morris International’s ZYN nicotine pouches are also being distributed through Argentine channels.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai