Washington  - The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved tougher anti-smoking controls in the United States, for the first time granting a government agency the power to regulate tobacco products.

The House voted 298-112 to hand the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) control over advertising and even the contents of cigarettes, though it does not allow the agency to ban tobacco outright.

The bill has been hailed as a major victory by anti-smoking groups in the United States. But the legislation will still have to pass a more-skeptical Senate before reaching the desk of President Barack Obama, himself an occasional smoker who has spoken of his struggles to quit.

The FDA would have the power to publicize the ingredients in tobacco products and limit advertising campaigns, especially those that appeal to children. (dpa)