Zogby Poll: 65% Oppose FDA Regulation of Tobacco

Nearly two in three (65%) are opposed to a current proposal in Congress to have the Food and Drug Administration regulate tobacco products, with nearly (47%) who say they are strongly against to the proposed change, a new Zogby International telephone poll shows.

Nearly two-thirds (74%) of Republicans oppose the change, compared to 64% of independents and more than half (57%) of Democrats. Those living in Southern states (72%) are most likely to be against the proposal, although majorities in all regions of the U.S. were more likely to oppose than support the proposal. The significant opposition to the proposal was found after respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their feelings on the FDA as well provided with factual information regarding how tobacco products are currently regulated in the U.S. and additional duties of the FDA. Before respondents were given this additional information, nearly half (49%) said they were opposed to the proposal to give the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products. Another 44% said they favored it, while 6% were undecided on the question.