Inconsistent Flavor

POLITO: Inconsistent Flavor of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Jump to full article: whyquit.com, 2008-10-13
Author: John R. Polito
Posted By CBM

Intro:
Last week the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (TFK) attacked RJ Reynolds (RJR) for test marketing flavored smokeless tobacco. TFK did so while advocating that kids use candy flavored nicotine gum, and while fighting hard for legislation that forbids health officials from requiring removal of menthol flavorings from cigarettes.

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (TFK), a Washington D.C. based youth tobacco prevention organization, has attacked RJR for "plans to test-market three new smokeless tobacco products that dissolve in the mouth, come in 'fresh' and 'mellow' flavors and have slick, colorful packaging similar to gum and candy. TFK asserts that it's just another product to start kids "on the road to nicotine addiction." Ironically, TFK itself appears engaged in recommending use of candy and fruit flavored nicotine by children and teens.

TFK's website links youth to GlaxoSmithKline's Nicorette website to learn more about "Nicorette Mint" and "Nicorette Orange." Youth exploring the Nicorette website are also taught about "Cinnamon Surge" Nicorette that's "coated for an intense rush of bold cinnamon flavor" and "Fruit Chill" Nicorette that's "coated twice for an intense fruit flavor with a hint of mint."

Although at first blush it would appear that TFK's recommendation of candy and fruit flavored nicotine gum is an attempt to help youth addicted to smoking nicotine quit, long-term clinical studies published in 2000, 2006 and 2007 concluded that nicotine replacement products (NRT) are ineffective and of no value in helping youth quit.
TFK's 2006 Annual Report indicates that GlaxoSmithKline contributed more than $1 million to TFK. . . .

TFK has issued 18 press releases since Dr. Siegel's June accusation of siding with Philip Morris in compromising public health, including fighting to prevent removal of menthol flavorings from cigarettes. What's needed is a press release explaining why TFK is fighting for toothless legislation which all but guarantees robust rates of youth nicotine addiciton and healthy industry profits for decades to come, enslavement that will guarantee job security for TFK executives for many years to come.

Posted By Cigs By Mail .com

Jump to full article