Tobacco industry gets sharper eye

Washington, DC- The US food and drug administration's tobacco program needs more work.

That's according to an independent panel of experts who found numerous wide-ranging problems.

They apparently hinder the agency's ability to regulate the industry and reduce tobacco-related disease and death.

It comes after the FDA commissioner requested the review in July, anticipating issues resulting from an ever growing number of tobacco products.

The panel found a lack of clarity, as well as deficiencies in transparency and communication.

There were also concerns about the need for input from stakeholders and the public, as well as policy shifts that lacked consistency.

The panel also suggested clarification on application requirements and expectations…and working with other agencies on enforcement.