Other Announcements

General

Call for Papers: Training and Technical Assistance Lessons Learned to Sustain Social Norm Changes in Tobacco Control
The Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium (TTAC) is pleased to announce the Call for Papers to a special theme issue of Health Promotion Practice: Training and Technical Assistance Lessons Learned to Sustain Social Norm Changes in Tobacco Control. All interested authors are strongly encouraged to review the suggested topics and submit papers for peer-review. The creation of this theme issue is the result of a collaboration between Legacy, TTAC and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). Click here for further information, or contact Madeleine Solomon at msolom3@emory.edu.

Archived webinar: “Tag! You're it: How Big Tobacco shifts blame back onto the public”
On June 29, 2010, the Public Health Advocacy Institute conducted a webinar on the tobacco industry’s use of corporate social responsibility rhetoric and tactics to try to improve its image, while still maintaining an emphasis on personal responsibility. Tobacco companies use corporate social responsibility rhetoric and tactics to normalize their image and stave off further regulation and litigation by appearing to have improved their corporate behavior. Simultaneously, the industry uses the theme of personal responsibility to shift the onus for tobacco products’ impact away from itself and back to the public. Click here to read more about the webinar, and to access the recording of the webinar presentation, PowerPoint slides, and issue briefs.

WHO and the International Olympic Committee sign agreement to improve healthy lifestyles
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced that they will be working together to promote healthy lifestyles worldwide. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding for work to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Both agencies will work at the international and country level to support activities and policies related to increasing physical activity and decreasing tobacco use. A follow-up group will meet periodically to evaluate progress and to develop and maintain related activities. It is estimated that noncommunicable disease contributes to the deaths of 35 million people each year. Read the press release from the WHO to learn more.

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FDA Announcements

FDA training sessions for retailers
The FDA Center for Tobacco Products is holding a series of five live training sessions about federal tobacco regulations for retailers starting in July 2010. The trainings will cover topics such as who is subject to the regulation, what products are regulated, prohibitions on tobacco sales to minors, displays, minimum package sizes, coupons, and flavored and “light” cigarettes, among others. Retailers can choose to attend in person or participate through webcast or phone, and will be given an opportunity to ask questions about the regulations. The first training took place in Boston, MA on July 19; dates for trainings in Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, and Los Angeles, CA will be announced soon. Click here for an overview of the trainings, or click here for more information on how to register, or to access the meeting materials.

FDA Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee meeting materials
FDA has made all materials available online from the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee meetings, including transcripts, slide sets, rosters, and agendas, among other materials. Materials are available for meetings that took place on March 30-31, June 8-9, July 7-8, and July 15-16. Click here to access the materials.

Draft guidance for industry: Tobacco retailer training programs
FDA is soliciting comments on a Draft Guidance for Industry focusing on helping tobacco retailers effectively train employees for tobacco sales. Guidance documents are intended to communicate FDA’s current ideas on a particular topic, and are considered recommendations instead of legally-binding documents. This guidance document covers training on the Federal laws regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products, how to request and verify identification, and how to refuse the sale of tobacco to minors. Comments must be submitted by September 14, 2010. Click here to access the Tobacco Retailer Training Programs document and to learn how to submit comments, or click here to view a complete list of the FDA’s guidance documents for the tobacco industry.

Information for consumers, tobacco control partners, and tobacco retailers: "Putting Out the Myth on Light, Low, and Mild Cigarettes"
As of July 22, 2010, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibits manufacturers from distributing for sale any tobacco products labeled or advertised as "light," "low," or "mild." This regulation was implemented because many smokers mistakenly believe that these products cause fewer health problems than other cigarettes. FDA has developed tools and resources for consumers, tobacco control partners, and tobacco retailers to raise awareness that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. Click here to read more.

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