FDA Raises Tobacco Purchase Age to 21

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enacted a new rule requiring retailers to check photo identification for anyone under 30 purchasing tobacco products, up from the previous age of 27. This change, effective from September 30, 2024, aims to curb underage access to tobacco and e-cigarettes, supported by evidence showing that most adult smokers start smoking before age 21. The new regulations also ban tobacco sales through vending machines in areas accessible to individuals under 21. The FDA emphasized that these measures are crucial for reducing youth addiction and tobacco-related diseases. Despite the decline in youth e-cigarette use, significant numbers of high school and middle school students continue to use these products.