Tobacco Documents Online

FDA To Reguiate Cigarette Filters, Not Cigarettes The Food and Drug Administration (FOAl has ruled that it does have jurisdiction over cigarette filters, at least where medical or health- type claims are made for them. But the agency has also determined that it does not have jurisdiction over cigarettes, including the filters that are attached by the manufac- turers. Both of these rulings came in the form of a private letter to Action on Smoking and Health, responding to a series of petitions ASH has filed over the past several years. Under the new ruling, it appears that filter manufacturers who make specific medical or health-type claims for their products will have to back them up, and they may also be subject to other agency regulations related to the safety of "medical devices." Among those filters that the FDA tentatively identified as subject to its ruling are "One Step at a Time," "Nu Life," and "Venturi." ASH Executive Director John Banzhaf said he was delighted that the agency has at least taken this step and that it will take steps to ensure that claims for cigarette filters are based on sound scientific and medical evidence. However, he s~id that ASH attor- neys are disappointed that the agency again denied that it had jurisdiction over cigarettes them- selves. "Perhaps," he said, "ASH will have to sue the FDA once again." Banzhaf referred to an earlier suit that ASH filed to compel the agency to take a position on ASH's request. In that case a federal judge ruled that the agency illegally delayed in responding to ASH's petition. In another suit before the U.S. Court of Appeals, ASH is urging the court to rule that the FDA has jurisdiction over cigarettes as a "drug" since they contain the drug nicotine. The agency's latest pronouncement did not involve that issue, since it ruled that neither cigarettes -nor their attached filters fall into the cate- gory of "medical devices." Special Contributions We appreciate the contributions we have received to help furnish our new office. Two major gifts were received to help furnish the first floor rooms. They were given by Mrs. Eve Abrams and Mrs. Betty Carnes as memorials to their late husbands. Others contributing to this project were-- Mr. & Mrs. Michael Allard Michael & Jean Aratingi Mr. Alexander Armstrong Miss Sarah Aronoff Michael Beeler James S. Benedit, M.D. Mr, Conrad Blum Mr. Paul Borkey Mr. James R. Bower, Jr. B. L. Calhoun Mr. Daniel Cares Mrs. John L. Chittenden Mr. Ronald K. DeFord Maitland A. Edey G~s & Miriam Efroymson Mr. & Mrs. Joe W. Elliott Donald M, Foster, M.D. Mr. Gerald B. Frank Richard Gardiner, M.D. Ms. Lillian Gest Mrs. Frederick R. Gibbs Ms. Irene A. Graf Mr. Ralph Gregory Mr. Howard Gross Grady L. Hallmen, M.D., Ms. Janice M. Jensen Paul H. Jernstrom, M.D, Mr. Otis Jordan Mr. George Savage King Mr. Norman V. Kinsey J. Knoll Mr. Stan L,~.~dow Or. & Mrs. Alexander D. Langmuir D. C. Linn Ms. Allison W. Merrlam Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation Ms, Ruth S. Pegelow Mrs, Howard Polinger R. M. Puryear Howard & Peg Rapp Rhythm Jewelry Co., Inc. Sylvan H. Sarasohn, M,D. Mr. J. R.Shine Ms. Dorothy G. Stephens Ms. Barbara A. Stettner Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Thacher Mr. Clarence Ao Uffman Mr. James G. Up de Graff Mr. & Mrs. Ray Watkins Mrs. Dorothea H. Webber M r. Joseph Whitehil! Mr. John B. Wilkes Mrs. Burton T, Wilson Mrs. A. M. Woodruff Mr. Stan Woollams Money-Saving Tax T ips Instead of complaining about high taxes in April, why not do some- thing about it now? Now, the end of the year, is the last opportunity you will have to reduce your taxes for 1980. Here are some tips; 1. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is exempt from taxes as a national charitable and educational organization,, and contributions to ASH are fully deductible for federal and state incqme tax purposes. 2. Checks mailed to ASH and dated before January 1 are deductible for the year 1980 even if received by ASH in 1981. 3. Contributions of property that has appreciated (grown) in value since it was acquired receive particularly favorable tax treat- ment. Examples include stocks, bonds, gold or silver, and other valuables. 4. In some cases you can sell appreciated property to ASH for your cost; you will then avoid paying taxes on the sale while getting a valuable tax deduction. 5. Make a donation to ASH in the name of a nonsmoking or smok- ing friend; not only will he or she receive the ASH Newsletter but you will also receive a tax deduction. 6. A gift to ASH of a life insur- ance policy that is no longer needed, or a future interest in property that will not become effective during your lifetime, also gives you a tax deduction when you most need it: Now! 7. [f you are reconsidering your will or reevaluating your estate plans -- something the expels say should be done every few years -- call or write to ASH to learn how you can save taxe~ and help fight smoking at the same time. T!36310948