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 who have been pushing for years for an FDA role. 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 new regulations come after Congress dramatically increased federal taxes on cigarettes earlier this year from 39 cents per pack to 1.01 dollars per pack, as part of a bill expanding children's health insurance.

The FDA, which has broad powers to monitor food and pharmaceutical products, could force tobacco companies to disclose the ingredients in their products, increase warnings on cigarette packets and limit advertising campaigns, especially those that appeal to children.

"Incredibly, tobacco is exempt from standards that apply to a can of soda or a box of pasta," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "By granting the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products, we will protect public health, prevent disease and stop tobacco companies from hooking America's children on their deadly product."

Tobacco products are already subject to a number of federal and state laws, but are not overseen by a government regulator. Many US states have banned smoking from public buildings, restaurants and bars. (dpa)