FDA extending comment period on e-cigarette rules

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- The public will have more time to weigh in on a federal proposal to regulate electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday the public comment period slated to end July 9 is being extended until Aug. 8.

In April, the agency proposed banning sales of e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, adding warning labels and requiring product approval. But it didn't immediately restrict marketing or ban fruit or candy flavors, measures that some anti-smoking groups and members of Congress are demanding.

The FDA also proposed extending its authority to regulate cigars, hookahs, nicotine gels and pipe tobacco.

The agency has received more than 33,700 comments on the proposal. By comparison, it received around 176,000 comments on potential menthol cigarette regulations during a 120-day comment period.

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