Camel Smokeless Products Targeted by Senators
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- While three new Camel dissolvable smokeless tobacco products are only in three test markets across the nation, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (RJRT) products are garnering much attention from two U.S. Senators, who allege they are being marketed to children.
Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio labeled the products—dissolvable sticks, strips and orbs—as "tobacco candy," the Winston-Salem Journal reported.
The senators also said the dissolvable products are aimed at getting youths hooked on tobacco and nicotine, and some of the products are sold in containers "designed to resemble cell phones," according to the report.
"There is no doubt that smokeless tobacco products are aimed squarely at children," Brown told the paper. "We have a responsibility to protect children from suggestive marketing and dangerous products."
The products target adult consumers who want to use a tobacco product in places where they can no longer smoke by federal and state law, according to RJRT. This and other smokeless tobacco initiatives are part of what Chairwoman and Chief Executive Susan Ivey called its transformation into a "total tobacco company," the report stated.
RJRT introduced the dissolvable products in test markets in Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis and Portland, Ore., in October.
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Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Sherrod Brown of Ohio labeled the products—dissolvable sticks, strips and orbs—as "tobacco candy," the Winston-Salem Journal reported.
The senators also said the dissolvable products are aimed at getting youths hooked on tobacco and nicotine, and some of the products are sold in containers "designed to resemble cell phones," according to the report.
"There is no doubt that smokeless tobacco products are aimed squarely at children," Brown told the paper. "We have a responsibility to protect children from suggestive marketing and dangerous products."
The products target adult consumers who want to use a tobacco product in places where they can no longer smoke by federal and state law, according to RJRT. This and other smokeless tobacco initiatives are part of what Chairwoman and Chief Executive Susan Ivey called its transformation into a "total tobacco company," the report stated.
RJRT introduced the dissolvable products in test markets in Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis and Portland, Ore., in October.
Related News:
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R.J. Reynolds' Snus Goes National