Light, Low, Mild a thing of the past

Light, low, mild, and other descriptors have long been a Big Tobacco marketing gimmick to define their products.  Some customers believe they are doing themselves a favor by smoking a light or low tar product. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The FDA regulation of tobacco seeks to protect consumers from the lies and myths of an industry that has been unregulated for far too long. Light does not mean a safer cigarette! Behind all that marketing and branding is the same cancer causing substances found in regular cigarettes. There is also evidence that Big Tobacco puts additional chemicals into light cigarettes to make them "smoother" or to hind the harsh-ness of the smoke.




Twelve months after the date of enactment of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, tobacco manufacturers and others will be prohibited from using descriptors, such as "light", "mild", "low" or "other similar descriptors" in the label, labeling or advertising of tobacco products without an order from the FDA because of the scientific evidence that these products do not reduce the risk of disease. 

Earlier a letter was submitted to the FDA by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Legacy Foundation, the American Lung Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids alerting the FDA of possible industry efforts to get around the ban. (To learn more CLICK HERE)

If you see evidence of these efforts in your community, comments can be submitted to the FDA on this and other issues at www.regulations.gov