FDA Rule Exerting Authority Over Premium Cigars Found Faulty

The FDA improperly glossed over cigar industry arguments when it decided to include premium cigars in a rule subjecting electronic cigarettes, hookahs, cigars, and other items to tobacco regulation, a federal court in Washington, D.C., ruled Tuesday.

Judge Amit P. Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia said he’ll wait for further briefing to determine whether to vacate the premium-cigar portion of the Food and Drug Administration’s rule or simply send it back to the agency without tearing it up.

The Cigar Association of America and two other industry groups have fought the FDA on several ...