The FDA announces final rules on some tobacco restrictions

The FDA announced its final rule raising the minimum age for certain restrictions on tobacco product sales as part of legislation that dated back to 2019 and has already been partially implemented.

Beginning September 30, retailers must verify with photo identification the age of anyone under the age of 30 who is trying to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Retailers will also no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products in vending machines in places where people under 21 are present or permitted to enter, according to the rule. The provision previously applied to businesses that served those under 18.

“Today’s rule is another key step toward protecting our nation’s youth from the health risks of tobacco products,” stated Brian King, PhD, MPH, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.

Altria (NYSE:MO) traded 0.3% higher on Thursday, with the FDA development already broadly anticipated.