Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Reynolds American, parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Conwood Company and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, is running television ads that question the ability of the FDA to implement a vast new tobacco regulatory scheme. In a press release issued last week, the company questioned Congress’ plan to expand FDA’s responsibilities to include tobacco products with a new regulatory bureaucracy funded by more than $7 billion in new fees and taxes, particularly given the fact that the FDA commissioner himself has raised serious concerns with this legislation.

“This raises the question of congressional priorities: should they be working to ensure the safety of food, prescription drugs and medical devices, or considering additional regulations on tobacco products, paid for by billions in new taxes and fees?” said Tommy J. Payne, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for Reynolds American Inc. 

“The commissioner expressed concern that the bill may require the agency to divert funds from other programs like the safety of drugs and food; that it could undermine the public-health role of FDA; that the public might believe that products ‘approved’ by FDA are safe and that this will actually encourage individuals to smoke more rather than less; and finally, that the bill requires the agency to perform functions that are outside of its expertise,” Payne said.