Consider this unhealthy paradox: The federal government regulates the contents of a box of macaroni and cheese more closely than a carton of cigarettes.

That's poised to change, as Congress moves closer to giving the Food and Drug Administration authority to place new restrictions on tobacco products.

It's a long time coming. For the first time, the FDA would have similar regulatory authority over tobacco products as it has to food, drugs and certain other consumer goods.

Legislation now under consideration in the Senate would require tobacco companies to list the additives and chemicals in their products. Deceptive marketing tricks — "light" or "mild" cigarettes, for instance — could be banned, as well as advertising aimed at youth. So could most flavorings (except menthol) which attract younger customers. Limits on nicotine levels and other ingredients in tobacco products could also be imposed.

The legislation provides some welcome common-sense oversight of an obviously dangerous product. And it's certainly needed, in Hawai'i as much as anywhere. Surveys shows that Hawai'i ranks higher than the national average in tobacco sales to minors, according to the state Health Department. The latest survey, released Wednesday, showed that of 1,028 stores visited statewide since September 2008, 13 percent of them were caught selling tobacco to minors. It's troubling, because 80 percent of current smokers began before they were 18 years old.

Even so, the Senate bill under consideration — written with the support of tobacco giant Altria Group (formerly known as Philip Morris) — isn't foolproof.

A lower-nicotine cigarette could actually be more dangerous, as nicotine-craving smokers inhale more deeply and smoke more cigarettes, drawing in more tar. And a tobacco product regulated and cleared for sale by the FDA could actually enhance its reputation for safety.

Then there's the FDA itself. The underfunded and mismanaged agency has had trouble of late keeping up with a range of food safety problems, from melamine-laced imports to tainted spinach, peppers and peanut products. The FDA, neglected by the previous administration, needs to be reinvigorated to better handle its vital regulatory responsibilities.

Of course, common sense can't always be regulated. Consumer tobacco products are obviously dangerous to your health, with or without new FDA regulations.

The smart move is simply to not use — or stop using — tobacco products. For that, you don't need any federal oversight.