According to a report by Reuters on January 15, a federal judge in Texas has halted the implementation of a regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that would have required graphic warnings on cigarette packaging and advertisements.
Federal District Judge J. Campbell Barker from Tyler, Texas, ruled in favor of Reynolds Tobacco (R.J. Reynolds) and other tobacco companies on Monday (13th), stating that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) exceeded its authority in requiring cigarette packaging and advertising to include 11 specific warning statements.
He pointed out that these warnings go beyond the 9 warning labels specified by Congress when it passed the Tobacco Control Act in 2009, which granted the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products and required the use of graphic warnings.
Bach was appointed by Republican President-elect Donald Trump during his first term in the White House. He pointed out that the FDA not only added two additional warnings beyond what is required by law, but also that two of the remaining nine warnings only used the exact wording required by Congress. Eleven graphic warnings show how smoking can lead to bladder, head and neck cancer, fatal lung disease, restricted fetal development during pregnancy, cataracts, and type 2 diabetes.
The FDA argues that the law authorizes it to adjust the format, type, and text of any necessary labels. However, Buck pointed out that this power is limited, and even though the FDA is allowed to rewrite these 9 warnings, it cannot add two additional warnings. "Courts cannot speculate on policy decisions clearly expressed in Congressional legislation.
The judge has delayed the effective date of the rule, pending further litigation, preventing the FDA from enforcing the rule starting in February 2026.
The lawsuit was filed by Reynolds Tobacco (R.J. Reynolds) in 2020 against subsidiaries of Imperial Tobacco (IMB), ITG Brands, and Vector Group subsidiary Liggett Group LLC.
This is the second time that Bach has successfully blocked FDA warning label regulations. In 2022, the court ruled that the requirement violated the company's freedom of speech rights under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
