Despite the ban on these terms, recent news reports have suggested that cigarette companies are planning to replace the use of these [image-nocss] words with creative packaging and inserts that clearly circumvent the intent of this law, the senators said.
Durbin and Lautenberg sent letters to the following companies: Altria Group (Philip Morris USA), Reynolds American (R.J. Reynolds), Lorillard Tobacco Co. and Liggett Group.
"Less than a year ago, Congress decided that in order to improve public health we had to put a stop to the deceptive marketing techniques that were used to peddle one of the most deadly products in the world," said Durbin. "It didn't take long for the tobacco companies to find a new way to market their product. Today, Senator Lautenberg and I are warning tobacco companies not to mislead consumers about the danger of cigarettes with creative and misleading advertising."
"The new law sends 'Light' and 'Low Tar' cigarettes into the trash bin of history, but the tobacco companies are trying to continue using smoke and mirrors to market 'healthier' cigarettes," said Lautenberg. "It was exposed years ago that for many people, smoking so-called 'Light' cigarettes was even more dangerous for them than regular cigarettes. Big Tobacco wants to prolong the myth of 'safer' cigarettes and continue deceiving smokers, but they do so at their own legal peril. Senator Durbin and I are working to ensure smokers understand the major health risks posed by all cigarettes, and prevent a future generation of smokers from getting hooked in the first place."Click the Download Now button below to read the full text of the letter to the tobacco companies.
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