Tobacco.org

UPDATE 2-Landmark US tobacco regulation bill goes to Obama 

"Tobacco is such a serious and compelling public health problem, and we really do feel by being able to regulate tobacco and tobacco products we can reduce the burden of disease and help promote stronger smoking cessation efforts," Hamburg told reporters.

Critics have questioned whether the agency is ready to handle an entire new sector after struggling through recent troubles involving tainted food and drug safety issues.

Some experts have said the bill essentially seals Philip Morris' position as market leader. Reynolds American Inc's (RAI.N) R.J. Reynolds Tobacco unit and Lorillard Inc's (LO.N) Lorillard Tobacco Co. have spoken out against the plan.

"It's going to make it almost impossible for any new product to enter the market," said Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor at Boston University's School of Public Health.

Critics like Siegel said the bill did not go far enough.

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