TMCnet News
FDA Releases Text Message Program to Educate Retailers about New Tobacco RegulationsSep 16, 2010 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- As part of its ongoing efforts to educate retailers and the public about federal regulations to protect kids from tobacco, the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products has launched a six-month text messaging pilot program. According to a release, to participate in the program, text BreakChain to 87000 from a mobile phone. Text messages will begin sending in mid-to-late September. While there is no charge to participate in the program, standard text messaging and data rates from wireless carriers may apply. The FDA will send educational messages on Mondays and Wednesdays and a weekly quiz on Friday, which will ask a question about new tobacco legislation. One winner will be selected each week for the first four weeks. Winners will have the opportunity to be featured on fda.gov/tobacco through the FDA/CDC's bi-weekly podcast series: Tobacco Control Act: What Retailers Need to Know. At the end of four weeks, FDA will ask for feedback so that it can make improvements to the program. For the remaining five months of the program, one message a week will be sent. The Center for Tobacco Products oversees the implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Report information: fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/ResourcesforYou/BreakTheChain/ucm219686.htm ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |