US House panel approves FDA tobacco oversight

* House subcommittee passes bill in 39-13 vote

* Bill gives FDA power to oversee tobacco cos.

* FDA to regulate advertising, ingredients, inspections

* Measure moves to full House for consideration

By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration would gain new power to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products under legislation passed by a U.S. House of Representatives panel on Wednesday.

The proposal, which passed 39 to 13 but must still win approval by the full House and Senate, would authorize the FDA to oversee the controversial, multibillion-dollar tobacco industry, including its advertisements and product designs. The FDA already oversees drugs, devices, most foods, cosmetics and animal drugs.

"Regulating tobacco is the single most important thing that we can do right now to curb the deadly toll of tobacco," said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman, who introduced the bill. A similar measure by the California Democrat passed the House last year but stalled in the Senate.

Giving the federal government authority over tobacco products would help curb smoking, which can cause a number of expensive and preventable health problems such as cancer, heart disease and other lung disorders, Democrats said.