WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' press release alleging R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. is circumventing its 2006 agreement with state attorneys general on flavored cigarettes is grossly inaccurate, Reynolds America Inc. said in its own press release. The company requests that the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids retract its statement, it said.
Voicing an opinion is one thing; ignoring the facts to achieve your goals is just plain wrong, said Tommy Payne, executive vice president of public affairs for Reynolds American. These misrepresentations [image-nocss] perpetuate an atmosphere of mistrust and conflict, and prevent any reasonable dialogue to resolve the issues that surround the tobacco industry.
The agreement signed by 40 state attorneys general permits the marketing of specialty blends, like R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.'s Camel Signature styles, while restricting the use of fruit, candy and alcohol descriptors in brand names or in non-age-restricted communications. Camel Signature is in full compliance with this agreement.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids seizes every opportunity to criticize tobacco manufacturers as part of their effort to advocate FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products, Payne said. We support their right to do so, but believe it requires full and fair disclosure of the facts so that people can draw their own objective conclusions.
He added, We believe the longstanding controversies regarding the manufacturing, marketing and use of tobacco products need to be resolved. The time has come to set aside the accusation and rebuttal' form of debate that has prevented constructive discussions from occurring. We would welcome discussions that lead to a reasonable and realistic national regulatory structure. And we would welcome the opportunity to sit down withthe Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to discuss these important issues, Camel Signature and the marketing policies and programs of our operating companies.
Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Reynolds American Inc. is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Conwood Co. LLC, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. Inc. and R.J. Reynolds Global Products Inc.
Click here to view the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids press release.
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