News

State and regional association executives from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. last week for the 10th Annual State Association Executive Summit (SAES).

“This year, we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Summit, marking a decade of enduring connection, collaboration and leadership. The industry continues to be strengthened by the dedication and leadership of these amazing executives,” said Kimberly Bolin, CDA president and CEO. “The Summit’s launch was made possible ten years ago by its founding partners Altria Group Distribution Company and Reynolds, and its continued growth has been fueled by the support of ITG Brands, LLC and PMI U.S."

“Attending my first SAES made it clear why this event has become such an essential gathering for industry association executives,” said Richard Owen, CDA’s incoming president and CEO. “The collaboration, shared insight and sense of community built over the past decade are remarkable, and I look forward to continuing to build on that strong foundation.”

To the left, during a dinner hosted by Reynolds, Matt Domingo addresses the state executives, speaking to the importance of industry relationships and collaboration.

The group gathered to hear key industry updates, discuss issues impacting their members and network. Attendees heard a legislative update from CDA policy advisor Kathee Facchiano; briefings by Dan Mulvaney and Kelly Lungren, PMI U.S.; Matt Domingo, Reynolds; Heather O’Donnell, ITG Brands, LLC; and Danielle Holloway, Altria Group Distribution Company.

Executives learned from two partner organizations where CDA holds membership, gaining valuable perspective on shared priorities. The first of those was the Partnership for Food Traceability (PFT) that spoke to efforts and progress related to the FSMA 204(d) Food Traceability Rule, and the second was The Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine (Regulate Smarter). Regulate Smarter is a coalition of regulated manufacturers and trade organizations representing distributors and retailers committed to operating responsibly within the FDA-regulated marketplace and supporting an FDA regulatory system that delivers on Congress’s original harm reduction vision. Executives also spent time in a closed-door session discussing key issues and sharing best practices, underscoring the value of their collaboration and time together.

Above, Dan Mulvaney and Kelly Lungren, PMI U.S., open SAES with a presentation and discussion with the state executives.

“There is such value in coming together with state executives from across the country,” said Meghan Loper, California Distributors Association. “We find that we can compare notes about advocacy strategies that are working, about challenges that are facing our membership and learn from each other’s experiences.”

Evan Alvarez, Louisiana Association of Wholesalers, encouraged other state and regional association leaders to participate, stating, “The value of SAES is you get to collaborate with other wholesaler representatives from around the country, exchange ideas, exchange legislative strategy and get to know what’s happening in other states – and that’s invaluable.”

The Summit is supported through the generous partnership of Altria Group Distribution Company, ITG Brands, LLC, PMI U.S. and Reynolds, who recognize the importance of engagement on issues at regional, state and local levels and value the expertise of the association executives.

Above, Ryan Underwood (left) and Tom Underwood, Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association, pause for a picture in front of the U.S. Capitol.

View the photos and the video from this year’s SAES.

Richard Owen, CDA's incoming president and CEO, welcomes the state executives.	At a breakfast session hosted by ITG Brands, LLC, state executives gather with Heather O'Donnell, ITG Brands, LLC.

Danielle Holloway, Altria Group Distribution Company, hosts a lunch and discussion with state executives at Altria's Washington, D.C. offices.	At SAES are (l-r) Abir Akhand, Altria Group Distribution Company; Jeff Smith IV, Virginia & North Carolina Wholesale Distributor Associations; and VJ Mayor, Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors and Northeast Wholesalers Association.

Register now to attend timely sessions with expert insights on industry trends, FSMA traceability compliance, AI, physical security and safety and more!

• FutureNomics: The Economic Snapshot You Need Now with Mary Kelly
• Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) with Jennifer McEntire and Richard Owen
• Trusted to Lead: Energizing High-Performance Cultures in Convenience Distribution with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jason O. Harris
• Making AI Work for Distribution: A Practical Playbook for Every Team with Benj Cohen
• And more!

Exhibitors

• Only 1 exhibit space remains. Secure your space now.
• If your company has already reserved exhibit space, the 2026 planning guide was emailed to team leads on Oct 22.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

Marketplace Website | Distributor Registration | Exhibit Space Registration
Schedule | Education | Hotel and Travel

*The distributor showcase is for CDA member distributors only. Participation is required.
By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

CDA is excited to share the dates for CDBX 2027:

September 13 – 16, 2027
Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Fort Worth, TX

Previously Announced Events:

• Marketplace 2026: Feb. 16–18, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• CDBX 2026: Sept. 14–17, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura, FL
• Marketplace 2027: Feb. 22–24, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• Marketplace 2028: February 28 - March 1,
  The Woodlands Waterway Marriot Hotel & Convention Center, The Woodlands, TX

Visit the CDA Events page for more details on all CDA events.

Republican lawmakers are in disagreement over how long a stopgap spending bill should last as part of a deal to end the government shutdown. There is widespread agreement that the Nov. 21, 2025, end date of the House-passed stopgap bill won’t leave lawmakers enough time to work out funding for the rest of the year, but top negotiators are at odds over what the length of the bill should be.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) said she would like the stopgap measure or continuing resolution (CR) to last until Dec. 19, 2025. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and others have stated a preference for a CR that goes into January. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said he was “optimistic” there could be a deal to reopen the government by the end of the week. Read more here.

Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Oct. 31, 2025, to use a contingency fund to pay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. He said reduced benefits had to go out by the end of the day on Nov. 5, 2025. The roughly $5.25 billion fund is not enough to fully cover November benefits for the food assistance program, which will cost the government approximately $9 billion. “SNAP benefits have never, until now, been terminated,” Judge McConnell said at a hearing. “And the United States has in fact admitted that the contingency funds are appropriately used during a shutdown and that occurred in 2019.”

President Trump added to the confusion over the fate of SNAP after a social media post on Nov. 4, 2025, suggested he would not provide benefits until after the government reopened, saying SNAP funds “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said later the administration has released funds in compliance with a federal court order. She warned recipients that it would “take some time to receive this money.”

The USDA also said it couldn’t use a contingency fund for SNAP during a shutdown, but said it would comply with the court order. USDA said Nov. 3, 2025, that the bureaucratic work of reducing benefits could take weeks in some states, making it unable to make the payments by the judge’s deadline. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said, “this will be a cumbersome process, including revised eligibility systems, State notification procedures, and ultimately, delayed benefits for weeks, but we will help States navigate those challenges.” Read more here.

On Nov. 6, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established the closing date for the public comment period on the modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products. Public comments on these applications must be submitted to the appropriate docket by 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 8, 2025, to ensure they are considered by FDA:

• FDA-2021-N-0408 (IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger)
• FDA-2017-D-3001 (IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger and Marlboro HeatSticks products)

Read more here.

ADCO Industries is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative safety and merchandising solutions for the convenience store industry. Known for its flagship Easy Cut line of safety knives, ADCO also provides shelving, dollies and backroom equipment designed to improve efficiency, organization and employee safety. With decades of experience serving major retail chains and independent operators alike, ADCO combines practical design with exceptional customer service. From beer cave shelving to box cutters trusted worldwide, ADCO delivers reliable, American-engineered products that help stores operate safer and smarter, keeping employees productive and customers well-served across every aisle and backroom.

Contact information for ADCO Industries is as follows:

Mike Davis
miked@adcoindustries.com
ADCO Industries
11333 Pagemill Road
Dallas, TX 75243
(214) 217-7800
https://adcoindustries.com/

The University of Innovative Distribution (UID) will be held from March 16-19, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, offering a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry. The UID experience is designed to enhance attendees' knowledge, skills, and abilities to support immediate application into their work environment.

The course curriculum is taught by world-class instructors who know distribution, with course tracks including distribution strategy leadership, management, operations, sales and marketing.

Early Bird Special:
Register by January 16, 2026, and save $220!

Click here to learn more about the 2026 UID program or contact Lauren Herbert with questions.

Join us for the third installment in our exclusive CDA member webinar series on FSMA Section 204(d).

Tom Briant, CDA Policy Advisor, will focus on the different kinds of barcodes and scanners that distributors will need to utilize to track incoming and outgoing food products to comply with the FDA’s FSMA Section 204(d) regulation. In addition, the webinar will list a series of guidance suggestions that distributors can undertake now to begin preparing for the implementation of the food tracing requirements.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
3:00 – 3:45 pm ET
Register now!

Stay ahead of the curve of FSMA 204(d) – don’t miss this essential opportunity to become more informed about the traceability requirements and be more prepared to comply with the rule. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.

Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent with Today’s Leaders
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 8:00 am – 9:00 am CT

Before the doors open to the Marketplace Trade Show, join us to hear from expert Steve Bench as he explores the generational shift in today’s workforce and offers practical strategies to attract, retain, and develop Millennial and Gen Z talent. Learn how to strengthen leadership pipelines and build a multi-generational workforce ready to succeed now and in the future.

Discover more of what Marketplace Education has to offer in this short video!

Exhibitors

• Less than 5 exhibit spaces remain. Secure your space now.
• If your company has already reserved exhibit space, the 2026 planning guide was emailed to team leads on Oct 22.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

Marketplace Website | Distributor Registration | Exhibit Space Registration
Schedule | Education | Hotel and Travel

*The distributor showcase is for CDA member distributors only. Participation is required.
By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

On Aug. 29, 2025, the U.S. District Court in Georgia issued a ruling vacating (i.e., overturning) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) graphic cigarette health warning regulation. The decision was issued in a lawsuit brought against the FDA by Philip Morris USA Inc., Dhaliwal & Associates, Inc., Stewart Candy Company d/b/a Stewart Distribution, and the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores, Inc.

On Oct. 27, 2025, the FDA filed a Notice of Appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to appeal the Aug. 29, 2025, district court decision. A copy of the Notice of Appeal filed by the FDA can be found here.

The Aug. 29, 2025, federal district court decision struck down the FDA’s regulation that requires cigarette manufacturers to display graphic cigarette health warnings on the top half of the front and back of cigarette packs and the top 20% of cigarette advertisements. In the decision, the federal judge determined that the FDA failed to disclose the raw data of the studies that the agency relied on during the regulatory rulemaking process, which prejudiced Philip Morris USA and the other plaintiffs during the process that the public is allowed to submit comments on a proposed regulation.

Former director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) Dr. Brian King said the Trump administration’s reductions in federal funding, including millions of dollars previously allocated to tobacco control and prevention programs, have shifted the responsibility for such efforts to state and local governments. King, who is now the executive vice president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, highlighted the implications during a keynote address at the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i annual meeting, urging local leaders to document tobacco’s impacts and advocate for continued public health protections.

King pointed to cuts affecting major agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute of Health (NIH) and FDA, which traditionally provide funds for state-level tobacco control initiatives. Hawai‘i Public Radio said the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health was eliminated, resulting in a loss of $70 million annually for tobacco control programs and $15.1 million for state quitlines. While the full impact of these federal cuts has yet to be felt, King warned that once programs lose funding entirely, many initiatives may face staffing reductions or elimination.

On October 28th, FDA Center for Tobacco Products Acting Director Bret Koplow presented a keynote address during the annual Food and Drug Law Institute’s “Tobacco and Nicotine Policy Conference.”

In the keynote address, Acting Director Koplow signaled an important policy shift by acknowledging tobacco harm reduction products as a key part of the agency’s tobacco regulatory framework to continue to lower smoking rates.

In addition, Acting Director Koplow indicated an openness to expanding the range of flavored e-cigarettes eligible for approval if the products align with public health goals. Currently, the FDA has only authorized several menthol-flavored e-cigarettes for sale in the U.S.

To read more about Acting Director Koplow’s keynote address, click here.

CDA Welcomes New Member: JOEY Op Co

Meet JOEY — the nicotine pouch that redefines the category. JOEY is the first pouch powered by flavorbeads technology, engineered for unmatched flavor longevity and a smoother, more satisfying experience. Designed for today’s adult consumer demanding smokeless, discreet and functional nicotine, JOEY isn’t just another product — it’s a true category disruptor. With 36 long-lasting flavors across 3mg, 6mg, and 9mg strengths, JOEY offers 108 SKUs, giving retailers breadth, variety and consumer-driven growth potential. We’re not following the category — we’re shaping its future.

Contact information for JOEY Op Co is as follows:

Mike Sullivan
Msullivan@shelfpartners.com
JOEY Op Co
8700 Hudson Lane
Louisville, KY 40291
(502) 974-4187
joeyco.com

CDA Welcomes New Member: McCall Farms – Peanut Patch

Born and raised in the heart of the South, Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts bring authentic Southern flavor to snack lovers across the country. We harvest our peanuts fresh from farms in the USA and boil them in the can within days of being picked, locking in their naturally nutty, salty goodness. Whether you're tailgating, road-tripping, or just craving a taste of tradition, Peanut Patch serves up a soft, savory snack that’s rich in heritage and bold in flavor. Available in Original, Cajun, and other mouthwatering varieties, we’re proud to be the #1 selling boiled peanut brand in the U.S. Crack open a can and taste the South – one peanut at a time.

Contact information for McCall Farms – Peanut Patch is as follows:

Caroline Ferrell
cstewart@mccallfarms.com
McCall Farms – Peanut Patch
6615 S Irby St.
Effingham, SC 29541
(912) 614-8911
peanutpatch.store

CDA Welcomes New Member: Mercaso, Inc.

Mercaso, Inc. is a distributor located in Los Angeles that's mission is to revolutionize the convenience industry and democratize access to modern commerce and operations tools to the corner stores. We offer a 50 dollar minimum, free delivery every 48 hours. Our customers can shop from 20k+ products on our website and mobile app.

Contact information for Mercaso, Inc. is as follows:

Sandro Schoenhoefer
Sandro@mercaso.com
Mercaso, Inc.
2240 Yates Ave
Commerce, CA 90040
(949) 606-2068
shop.mercaso.com

CDA Welcomes New Member: Worthy Family Brands

Worthy is a family-owned, multi-generational supplier of branded and private label general merchandise products, including petfood, pet toys/treats, household paper, tabletop, and outdoor items. We serve over 45,000 retail locations across the country in c-store and specialty grocery with premium quality yet affordable items. Supply chain protection is our strength & unique advantage. Strategic nearshore sourcing, manufacturer redundancy, and overforecasting inventory means we execute at a very high level, maintain unbeatable fill rates, and take incredible care of the convenience industry.

Contact information for Worthy Family Brands is as follows:

Meredith McVey
mmcvey@worthypromo.com
Worthy Family Brands
1700 Central Plank Rd
Wetumpka, AL 36092
(334) 541-4070
worthypromo.com

Five weeks into the federal government shutdown, Washington remains in limbo and the ripple effects are growing more serious. November 1, millions of Americans who rely on food-assistance benefits under programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could see their support stop entirely unless funding is restored.

The administration shifted funds to pay out October benefits for the federal nutrition program for young mothers and kids, known as WIC. Congress has put more than $5 billion into a contingency fund designed to cover SNAP benefits during emergencies. But the administration says the fund is reserved for unforeseen events such as natural disasters. The current shutdown doesn’t qualify, according to Trump officials, because it was caused by Democrats. “Contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits,” according to a memo issued last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a bill on October 22 to reinstate SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed support for Hawley’s bill saying, “We will vote for the Hawley bill if Thune does the right thing and puts it on the floor before the weekend, before families lose their benefits,” Schumer said. Some Democratic senators are expected to head to the floor to request unanimous consent to pass these proposals. That includes Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), who has a new bill that funds both SNAP and WIC. Read more here.

Eagle Family Foods LLC proudly serves consumers and retailers with trusted favorites across three core categories: snacks, baking, and meals and sides. With a foundation built on heritage brands and a spirit of innovation, the company is shaping the next chapter of delicious, convenient food experiences.

Contact information for Eagle Family Foods LLC is as follows:

Kurt Mungenast
Kurt.Mungenast@effgrp.com
Eagle Family Foods LLC
1975 E. 61st Street
Cleveland, OH 44103
(888) 229-4541
www.eaglefoods.com

State of the Industry and Consumer Behaviors
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm CT

Join Sally Lyons Wyatt from Circana for a strategic look at the evolving dynamics of the convenience channel. This session will provide a data-driven view of industry performance, explore shifts in consumer behavior, and highlight growth opportunities to help your business stay agile, relevant, and consumer-first.

Whether you’re a distributor or exhibitor, this session will provide actionable insights to help you strengthen your strategies and better connect with your customers. See what else Marketplace Education has to offer in this short video!

Exhibitors

• Less than 8 exhibit spaces remain. Secure your space now.
• If your company has already reserved exhibit space, the 2026 planning guide was emailed to team leads on Oct 22.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

Marketplace Website | Distributor Registration | Exhibit Space Registration
Schedule | Education | Hotel and Travel

*The distributor showcase is for CDA member distributors only. Participation is required.
By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

Join us for the third installment in our exclusive CDA member webinar series on FSMA Section 204(d).

Tom Briant, CDA Policy Advisor, will focus on the different kinds of barcodes and scanners that distributors will need to utilize to track incoming and outgoing food products to comply with the FDA’s FSMA Section 204(d) regulation. In addition, the webinar will list a series of guidance suggestions that distributors can undertake now to begin preparing for the implementation of the food tracing requirements.

Thursday, November 13, 2025
3:00 – 3:45 pm ET
Contact Lauren Herbert to register.

Stay ahead of the curve of FSMA 204(d) – don’t miss this essential opportunity to become more informed about the traceability requirements and be more prepared to comply with the rule. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.

The Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is planning a hearing on Oct. 30, 2025, with Casey Means, President Trump's latest pick for surgeon general.

"Dr. Means' nomination hearing has not been finalized," a HELP Committee spokesperson said in a statement. "We continue to work with Dr. Means and the administration to move her nomination through the process and schedule a hearing." Means is pregnant and is expected to attend virtually, according to reports. Read more here.

As the federal government shutdown continues, several states are now warning they will be forced to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits come Nov. 1, 2025. "We're going to run out of money in two weeks," Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters on Oct. 16, 2025. SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 42 million Americans.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced two bills on Oct. 22, 2025, to reinstate SNAP benefits and critical farm programs during the government shutdown - the Keep SNAP Funded Act and the Fund Farm Programs Act. Under the SNAP bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.

The House remains out of session, though Republican leadership put Members on notice that they could be called to return to Washington within 48 hours should a deal be reached.

The Senate has remained in session, and as of Oct. 17, 2025, has voted ten times on competing Democratic and Republican continuing resolutions (CRs), with both failing to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to end debate and move to final passage. Democrats continue to insist on an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the restoration of Medicaid benefits as a condition of reopening the government. But Republicans contend the government should reopen before health care talks begin. Read more here.

On Oct. 8, 2025, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) reintroduced the Employee Rights Act - S.2984 - which would modernize federal labor law to protect workers. The bill mandates secret ballots in union representation elections, recognizes right-to-work, harmonizes the independent contractor standard across labor law and codifies the joint employer standard. This legislation was cosponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced the companion legislation - H.R.4154 - in the House.

The federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, 2025, has continued into its third week.

The House has continued to stay out of session until the Senate passes a bill that requires their vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has promised to give Members 48 hours notice prior to any votes. Some House Republicans and Democrats alike are now pushing for legislation which would pay military forces during the shutdown.

The White House continues to take measures previously unused in shutdowns. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced they have begun issuing reductions in force (RIFs) notifications, which are effectively mass firings, of federal employees. As of yet, it is unclear how the RIFs will apply to each department and agency, though the White House previously suggested they wanted to focus the cuts on programs Democrats strongly support. On Oct. 15, 2025, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said that employees across “multiple divisions” have received RIF notices, but additional details have not yet been released. Multiple labor unions have filed federal lawsuits seeking to block the Trump Administration from proceeding with the RIFs as the federal law requires at least a 30-day notice prior to the implementation of such firings. Read more here.

CDA is excited to share the dates for Marketplace 2028:

February 28 – March 1, 2028
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Hotel & Convention Center
The Woodlands, TX

Previously Announced Events:

• Marketplace 2026: Feb. 16–18, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• CDBX 2026: Sept. 14–17, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura, FL
• Marketplace 2027: Feb. 22–24, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• CDBX 2027: Dates/location to be announced soon

Visit the CDA Events page for more details on all CDA events.

Register now to attend timely sessions with expert insights on AI, consumer trends, physical security and safety, and other key industry topics!

• State of the Industry and Consumer Behaviors with Sally Lyons Wyatt
• Making AI Work for Distribution: A Practical Playbook for Every Team with Benj Cohen
• Understanding FSMA Section 204(d) with Jennifer McEntire and Richard Owen
• Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent with Today’s Leaders with Steve Bench
• And more!

Exhibitors

• Less than 10 exhibit spaces remain.
  Secure your space now.
• If your company has already reserved exhibit space, booth assignments were emailed to your designated team lead on Oct. 8. The 2026 planning guide will be emailed to team leads the week of Oct. 20.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

Marketplace Website | Distributor Registration | Exhibit Space Registration
Schedule | Education | Hotel and Travel

*The distributor showcase is for CDA member distributors only. Participation is required.
By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.

On Oct. 7, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) held a day-long hearing regarding a customary review of Philip Morris International’s (PMI) request that the agency renew the Modified Risk Tobacco Product designation previously authorized for IQOS heated tobacco products. TPSAC is comprised of independent scientific researchers which provides nonbinding recommendations to the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

The IQOS system heats tobacco instead of burning it, which significantly reduces the production of and exposure to harmful chemicals while still providing tobacco taste and the ritual of smoking. As of June 30, 2025, PMI estimates there are approximately 34 million legal-age IQOS consumers globally.

The modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) submitted for renewal include two versions of the IQOS device and three variants of the tobacco consumables, called HEETS, including:

• IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger
• IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger
• Amber HEETS
• Green Menthol HEETS
• Blue Menthol HEETS

The FDA initially granted PMI the MRTP designation for IQOS products in 2020. The MRTP designation for the IQOS system authorizes PMI to communicate to legal-age consumers the following messages:

"AVAILABLE EVIDENCE TO DATE:

• The IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it.
• This significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals.
• Scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces your body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals."

During the FDA hearing, representatives from PMI and committee members discussed a range of scientific, technical and consumer-communications topics. The company provided an overview of its responsible marketing practices and presented additional evidence and research demonstrating high levels of complete switching among current legal-age smokers while maintaining low levels of use by unintended populations.

TPSAC will now review all the scientific evidence and advice to finalize a recommendation to the CTP regarding the request by PMI for the renewal of the MRTP designation for the IQOS products.

Read more here. Watch the full hearing here.

The Senate rejected dueling government funding bills for the sixth time the afternoon of Oct. 8, 2025. Democrats and Republicans are at a stalemate as the government shutdown crosses the one-week mark without a clear resolution in sight.

Reports of a draft memo from the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) were circulated suggesting that the 750,000 furloughed workers are not guaranteed back pay. House and Senate leaders on Tuesday pushed back against the reports, saying it was their understanding the law is clear that furloughed workers would get back pay. When asked about furloughed workers getting back pay, President Trump said Tuesday that "I would say it depends on who we're talking about."

Some House members have expressed frustration over House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) decision to remain in recess until the Senate can pass a bill to fund the government. “The House is done. The ball is now in the Senate’s court,” Johnson said Wednesday during a press conference. “It does us no good to be here dithering on show votes.” Read more here.