Tobacco Industry News

Research

Pro-smoking apps for smartphones: the latest vehicle for the tobacco industry?
As the popularity of smartphones grows and they become the most commonly used type of mobile phone, access to and promotion of “pro-smoking” apps has also increased. Researchers conducted an assessment of the Apple App Store and Android Market for pro-smoking apps. They identified 107 pro-smoking apps, and found them to be classified in the entertainment, games, lifestyle, and even health and fitness categories. The utilization of smartphone apps to promote pro-smoking agendas has a global effect by reaching millions of users via individual mobile phones. Regulation of this medium for tobacco product marketing is needed in order to prevent the public, and especially youth, from exposure to pro-smoking influences. Click here to read more about this study published in Tobacco Control. Click here to read the study abstract.

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Reports

FDA accepting public comments on R.J. Reynolds' Citizen Petition
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently accepting comments from the public on a citizen petition filed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. If the FDA follows R.J. Reynolds' suggestions, it would propose a new rule that would change the textual warning label on smokeless tobacco products. According to the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, it is important to support the FDA and encourage it to make the protection of public health a priority, especially when the tobacco industry attempts to use the regulatory system to accomplish its own agenda. Members of the public health community may wish to learn about the petition and submit comments that reflect their knowledge and perspective on the issue. Click here to read a comment submitted by several public health organizations including the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, or click here for suggested talking points. Click here to submit a comment. There is no deadline to submit comments to this petition. However, as soon as the FDA takes action, it will stop accepting public comments. Visit the Legal Consortium’s FDA Tobacco Action Center to learn about other opportunities to comment on FDA actions.

Cigarette prices could rise in December
According to a recent wholesaler and retailer survey, cigarette prices will increase in mid-December. Data from Wells Fargo Securities LLC’s most recent Tobacco Talk survey show that there will be a six to seven cent per pack price increase that will be led by Philip Morris USA. This increase will reportedly drive industry revenue and profit growth. Tobacco companies are expecting to be able to ease up on promotions as the increased revenue will reduce pressures to promote cigarette products. Retailers are gathering inventory in preparation for this price increase which is expected to occur the week of December 10. Click here to read more.

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