Tobacco Makers to Announce New Statements Acknowledging Health Risks

Tobacco companies will soon be publishing corrective statements about the risks of tobacco use as per a lawsuit brought about by the federal government that accuses cigarette makers of deceiving the public. The lawsuit deals with industry conducts dating back to the 1950s.

Companies are required to make 5 statements in regards to cigarette smoking. Statements will appear in ads on tv running once a week for a year on major networks during prime time. U.S. Department of Justice and tobacco manufacturers reached an agreement on the timing and delivery of the statements. Companies must also run full-page ads that will appear newspapers over a six-month period listing several diseases associated with tobacco use. The statement that “they intentionally designed cigarettes with enough nicotine to create and sustain addiction” is required to be made. The ads will begin running late next month in newspapers and on television.

Altria Group Inc.-parent company of Philip Morris USA and competitor Reynolds American Inc. will be running these ads along with several other companies. "The tobacco industry has changed, including becoming regulated by the FDA. We're focused on the future and developing less-risky products. " says Altria's executive vice president Murray Garnick.