June 16th, 2011
NEW YORK
The lack of any significant amendments to a pending report on menthol cigarettes bodes well for tobacco companies, according to one analyst, who said that it reduces the chances that a harsher federal crackdown is on the way.
In March, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel said that removing menthol cigarettes from the market would benefit public health because the minty flavoring has led to an increase in smokers and that it also makes quitting more difficult. The Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee stopped short of recommending an outright ban. The advisers said at the time that the FDA should consider other factors, including that a ban could increase counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes.
June 13th, 2011
News.Com.AU
A TOBACCO company giant has vowed to hunt down rogue retailers who sell counterfeit cigarettes and chop-chop tobacco.
It has launched legal action against six tobacco sellers they accuse of selling Winfield Blue and Winfield Gold look-alike packets for two-thirds of the price of the real thing.
British America Tobacco Australia is running covert operations around Australia and will sue retailers selling illegal tobacco, according to a spokesman.
Scott McIntyre said his company owned the Winfield trademarks and had sued six retailers in the Federal Magistrates’ Court Melbourne registry, claiming they had breached intellectual property laws.
June 8th, 2011
Tuesday June 7, 2011
MALACCA: The Health Ministry will work with the Customs Department to wage an all-out war on the sale of illicit cigarettes in the country.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the government was concerned over the wide distribution of counterfeit cigarette that could lead to health complications.
Over 38% of Malaysians are now opting for illicit cigarette due to its low pricing without considering the harm smoking can cause, he said here yesterday.
“We need to address the sale of counterfeit cigarette as it is an emerging scourge in the country. Apart from evading taxes, the distribution of such contraband could pose a serious health risk to smokers, he said.
June 4th, 2011
Medical News Today
By: O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP, president, American Academy of Pediatrics
“The American Academy of Pediatrics is profoundly disappointed with the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for accepting an amendment yesterday that will severely limit the basic authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a variety of public health protections for children.
“The FDA’s ability to regulate tobacco products, dangerous drugs, and unsafe foods is essential for the overall well-being of children and the American public. The amendment, introduced by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) during consideration of the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill, limits existing FDA authority to assure the safety of the food and drug supply, prevents the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, and weakens the agency’s ability to protect young people from dangerous tobacco products.
