Tobacco News and Interesting Information

The Federal Trade Commission rescinded guidance it issued 42 years ago that has allowed tobacco companies to make claims about tar and nicotine levels based on testing by a machine.

The cigarette industry uses a test known as the Cambridge Filter Method to support statements about tar and nicotine content in cigarette smoke. But the commission said the test method is flawed and resulting marketing that touts tar and nicotine levels could cause consumers to believe that lighter cigarettes were safer.

As a result, future advertising that lists tar levels for cigarettes won't be able to use terms such as "by FTC method."

Under the current system, cigarettes with a tar rate above 15 milligrams per cigarette are commonly referred to by the industry as "full flavor." Cigarettes with a tar rate of less than 15 milligrams are referred to as "low" or "light."