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Thursday, June 17, 2010

FDA's Light/Low Ban and NYC New Ad Campaign


New information forwarded from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids:

As you know, the FDA law's ban on the use of misleading descriptors such as "light," "low," etc. goes into effect, along with many other provisions of the law, on June 22nd. This presents a great opportunity to remind smokers that there is no safer cigarette and to promote quitting through quitlines or other evidence-based cessation interventions. You probably also know that the tobacco companies are using color coding to send the same messages about the light and low sub-brands.

New York City has launched an innovative and extremely creative and thoughtful response to the tobacco industry's effort to subvert the intent of the law requiring the elimination of the terms "light", "low tar" and "mild". This campaign uses the mass media to counter the industry and to turn its color packages effort on its head. New York City is a model of a proactive response to this industry tactic. By attacking the industry package change by a public education, New York has avoided any of the First Amendment issues around banning colors and has been able to respond in a timely fashion in a way that a regulatory approach could not have done.

Check out NYC's Health Department's website to see the hard-hitting television ads: www.nyc.gov/health
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And here in Virginia, adults that want to quit can call 1-800-QUIT NOW for free phone counseling.




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