

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

General Comment:Dear Mr. Zeller:

I am writing as an individual consumer to request an extension of the comment period for 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. On behalf of myself, 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 and relevant to me, as a consumer of products that are proposed for regulation under the Proposed Rule. I would like to be able to provide some answers and comments to about a hundred possible, different question you requests responses to.  I unfortunately, do not have the time to the research and provide thoughtful comments to these important questions, I wish I could.  I already have spent a great deal of time in research before purchasing these products that are under these Proposed Rules. I understand the FDA took many years to even come up with the Proposed Rule, so I do not think it is unreasonable to allow the public a mere six months to comment on it. This is our only opportunity, as responsible consumers, to provide our feedback. 

I feel very strongly about e-cigarettes as an alternative to combustible cigarettes. They have saved my life. Not believe, they have.  I wish to provide you with my personal story, as well as science- and evidence-based responses to your questions so that my voice may be heard and my comments taken into account. I realize that the FDA has the authority under 21 CFR 10.40 to extend this time frame and that the FDA has exercised this authority on numerous occasions in the past.  I would ask that you do so here, so that all stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their comments on this proposed regulation.

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