newjerseynewsroom.com

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., a co-sponsor of the recently-enacted legislation that will regulate tobacco products, welcomed the new Center for Tobacco Products and praised the center's first executive director, Dr. Lawrence Deyton. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday launched the center and announced the appointment of Dr. Deyton.

"A new center that focuses on tobacco will help make the new regulations serve the purpose of reducing tobacco-related deaths and illness and protecting young people from the enticing marketing techniques designed to start them smoking," said Pallone. "A director with the experience and knowledge with tobacco use that Dr. Deyton possesses will help the center serve its mission."

Pallone was a sponsor of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that was signed into law by President Obama in June. The bill for the first time gives the federal government the authority to regulate tobacco products, including controls on advertising and marketing aimed at young people.

"Tobacco kills and tobacco causes serious health problems that are hard to cure," added Pallone. "Tobacco addiction is difficult to break, which is why the tobacco industry targets youngsters. The new law and the new center will help everyone, but it is especially important for young people."

Visit the FDA's site for more.

— ANDY LAGOMARSINO, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM