US
The FDA’s deeming rule has had another profound effect – it is blocking sending cigars to US troops.
“Support the Troops” in Tampa sends much appreciated shipments of goodies, which include cookies, chips, coffee, and cigars, to troops overseas. Forty cigars go in each box, which sometimes comes with a humidor, too. In fact, the second-most requested item from the troops is cigars. However, their supply of cigars are dwindling after Thompson Cigars sent four final pallets on August 7, one day before new FDA regulations banned the providing of samples of all tobacco products.
Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Tampa), who is introducing a bill that would carve out an exception for donations to troops, said the FDA should be targeting tobacco companies that market to kids, not cigars, which are generally only popular with adults. ““FDA has overreached here. We have got to send them a message and turn back this law.”