

Comment Info: =================

General Comment:Dear Mr. Zeller:

I am writing as an individual consumer to respectfully request an extension to the comment period of the Food and Drug Administration's ("FDA") Proposed Rule Deeming Tobacco Products to be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Family Smoking and Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the "Proposed Rule") published at 79 Fed. Reg. 23,142 and Federal Register No. 2014-09491. I am requesting that the comment period for the Proposed Rule be extended by the FDA for an additional 105 days, from its current 75-day period, to 180 days.

The Proposed Rule raises a number of significant issues and questions that are important to me, as a consumer of products that are included in the regulation under the Proposed Rule. The Proposed Rule asks about a hundred different questions I may want to respond to. I would like provide my thoughts and comments on many of these issues, but my time to devote to researching and providing thoughtful comments on these important questions is limited. I have already spent many hours researching and dissecting these issues, but it is time consuming. I know that the FDA took many years to even come up with the Proposed Rule, so I think it is quite reasonable to extend the comment period so people like me who’s time is mostly devoted to work and family have enough time to give this matter proper thought.. This is my only opportunity, as a consumer, to provide feedback. 

I have opinions about e-cigarettes as an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Frankly, I believe that they saved my life and improved the quality of my current life. I would like provide you with my personal story, as well as science- and evidence-based replies to your questions so that you can take my comment into account in proper context. I understand that the FDA has the authority under 21 CFR 10.40 to extend this time frame and that the FDA has exercised this authority in the past. I would therefore ask that you do so here, so that all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their comments on this proposed regulation.

I appreciate your time considering my request and am more than happy to discuss this issue with you further.

