Nicotine is addictive, rules FDA

Nicotine was ruled in the US last week to be an addictive substance and could therefore be brought under the control of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is usually regulated by the more liberal Federal Trade Commission. David Kessler, the FDA's commissioner, has already asked President Bill Clinton to decide whether the FDA can regulate tobacco products; if he agrees, Kessler will push for a ban on cigarette vending machines and for the strengthening of government health warnings.

The reaction from Republicans has been swift and condemning. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, from Georgia, said: …