WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, the FDA announced a public workshop series whose goal is to gather scientific information and stimulate discussion about electronic cigarettes and the public health. The workshops will include presentations and panel discussions, with the first workshop on Dec. 10 – 11, focusing on product science, packaging, labeling and environmental impacts.

FDA believes it is important to gather scientific information from individuals with a broad range of perspectives on technical topics to be discussed at the workshop. Persons interested in being a panelist, presenting, attending, or watching the live webcast must register online or in writing. For more information, including how to get involved, important deadlines, and topic areas for this workshop, read the full FDA notice online.

The FDA will also hold a compliance training and education webinar on Sept. 23rd at 2 p.m. EST on tobacco product advertising requirements concerning other media. Manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and importers are allowed to distribute cigarette or smokeless tobacco product advertising or labeling, without prior notification, in newspapers; magazines; periodicals or other publications; on billboards, posters, and placards; in nonpoint-of-sale promotional materials (including direct mail); point-of-sale promotional material; and audio or video formats delivered at a point-of-sale. The webinar aims to explain the requirements of this notification process for other media, including the legal authority and required content. To access the webinar, please visit the FDA Tobacco Compliance Webinars website.