Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, has floated a proposal to reduce the nicotine levels in cigarettes to make e-cigarettes a more compelling alternative to smokers. But Altria has been involved in a plan to discourage Dr. Gottlieb’s nicotine-cutting proposal. In an effort to staunch the soaring rates of vaping among teenagers, the F.D.A. has been cracking down on Juul and other companies, demanding that they not sell most flavored products in retail outlets where they could be accessible to youths. Previously, Altria purchased United States Tobacco, which sold a competing chewing tobacco product that some research suggests is less harmful than combustible smoking.

Source: New York Times December 19, 2018 21:08 UTC