WASHINGTON, D.C. May 7, 2014 An article posted today in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms what public health advocates have suspected for decades that chemicals used to flavor popular candies and drinks are strikingly similar to those used to flavor tobacco products that are designed to addict kids. The findings add to the urgency for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to move quickly to finalize a rule establishing its authority to regulate all tobacco products and move to eliminate added flavors that may make these products particularly attractive to youth. Candy flavorings are currently banned in cigarettes, but that ban does not extend to cigarillos, large cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, hookah tobacco and e-cigarettes, all of which are growing in popularity among youth. In fact, a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 40 percent of current middle and high school students who smoke use flavored smoking products such as small cigars or menthol flavored cigarettes. There is growing concern that flavorings such as grape and cherry, and others with appealing names including äóÖbrownie ' and äóÖgummy bear ', now found in many small cigars, hookah tobacco and e-cigarettes, can entice youth to try these products and potentially lead to a life-long, deadly addiction. ACS CAN strongly urges the FDA to finalize its proposal to regulate all tobacco products and issue regulations banning candy flavorings used to mask the harsh taste of tobacco and which can hook kids. Until the FDA takes action, the tobacco industry will continue to sidestep effective tobacco control measures and addict more youth to its deadly products. ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Lauren Walens or Steven Weiss American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Phone: (202) 661-5763 or (202) 661-5711 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] #FDA #tobacco #ecigarette #cigar #flavoring #NEJM #deeming #ACSCAN