By: O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP, president, American Academy of Pediatrics

"The American Academy of Pediatrics is profoundly disappointed with the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for accepting an amendment yesterday that will severely limit the basic authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a variety of public health protections for children.

"The FDA's ability to regulate tobacco products, dangerous drugs, and unsafe foods is essential for the overall well-being of children and the American public. The amendment, introduced by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) during consideration of the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill, limits existing FDA authority to assure the safety of the food and drug supply, prevents the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, and weakens the agency's ability to protect young people from dangerous tobacco products.

"If this provision becomes law, it would be virtually impossible for the FDA to stop tobacco companies from adding ingredients that attract children, prevent unsafe food and drugs from entering this country, or stop antibiotic-resistant bacteria from causing human illnesses.

"The AAP strongly urges the U.S. House of Representatives to reject this dangerous proposal in the final version of the spending bill."

Source:
American Academy of Pediatrics