Today, the FDA approved the sale of Philip Morris International (PMI)’s latest tobacco product, iQOS. Please see below for Corporate Accountability Michél Legendre’s quote.
“The FDA’s announcement today is a blow to public health in the U.S. and means that millions of Americans and young people will be exposed to PMI’s latest harmful and addictive tobacco product. But, it’s not the decision PMI was looking for. The FDA did not issue a ruling on PMI’s claims of “reduced risk”, meaning that for now, iQOS will be treated for what it is: another cigarette product from a cigarette company.
In the last year, PMI has spent untold amounts of money on muddled science, a billion dollar front-group foundation, an attempted reinvention as a health-concerned company, and even a life insurance company. But none of that has changed the deadly core of its business: addictive tobacco products.
Now, the FDA must see through the smoke, heed the calls from the public health community, and fully reject PMI’s baseless health claims. It would not only protect the health and safety of people in the U.S., but also send a strong message to PMI to stop selling doubt in countries around the world.”
