

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

General Comment:Dear Mr. Zeller:

I am writing as an individual consumer to request an extension of the comment period for the 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 covered under the Proposed Rule. The Proposed Rule asks a very large number of questions to which I might wish to respond. My time to thoroughly understand, research and comment on these important questions is limited.  I realize that it required the FDA many years and researchers to finalize the Proposed Rule, thus it would seam reasonable to allow the public a six month period to comment. This is our ONLY opportunity as consumers to provide our feedback. 

I feel very strongly about e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers as an alternative to combustible tobacco cigarettes. I know that they saved my life and the life of many of my loved ones by significantly reducing harm. I wish to provide you with my personal story, as well as science and evidence based responses to your questions so that you can take my comment 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 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 consideration of my request and am happy to discuss this issue with you further.

