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Tobacco Industry News
Research
Colorful way tobacco industry may be skirting labeling rules
According to a recent study published in Tobacco Control, tobacco companies are continuing to identify cigarettes as “light,” “low,” or “mild” using a color coding system, thereby defying laws that prohibit the use of those misleading descriptors on cigarette packages. Terms such as “light,” “low,” or “mild” are deceptive in that smokers may misinterpret them to mean that these cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes. While these terms are no longer found on cigarette packaging, color coding systems still exist to differentiate the various types of cigarettes. The majority (88%) of the participants in this study reported that it was ‘somewhat easy’ or ‘very easy’ to identify the previously-labeled cigarette type based on the color-based names on the packaging. This study suggests that tobacco companies continue to circumvent tobacco control laws and present a “false impression of reduced risk” to the public. Study authors also suggest that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take action to ensure its tobacco regulations are being followed. Click here to read more. Click here to read the study abstract.
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Reports
Altria - Federal regulation of tobacco
Tobacco company Altria has posted information on its website about the federal regulation of tobacco and its position regarding these regulations. The website also contains Altria’s strategy and approach to these regulations, milestones in tobacco regulation, and regulatory filings. Click here to visit the tobacco regulation section of Altria’s website.
Tobacco Money in California Politics report
The American Lung Association in California’s Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing has released a new report, “Tobacco Money in California Politics.” This report highlights all of the contributions to California elected officials by tobacco companies during the most recent two-year election cycle, from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012, as well as spending over the past decade. According to this report, Philip Morris USA, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, and the California Distributors Association contributed more than $49 million to political campaigns during the 2011-2012 election cycle. Click here to read more about how tobacco industry supporters spent $2.1 million on lobbying on fourteen different bills during the 2011-2012 legislative cycle and for other information about the history of tobacco money in California politics. To read a one-page document with highlights from the full report, click here.
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