Device for creasing cigarettes

No. 377. Device for creasing cigarettes.

The Commission rendered an advisory opinion in regard to the advertising claims to be made for a device which allegedly provides the "answer to safer smoking, Specifically, the manufacturer requested an advisory opinion in regard to the legality of the following proposed advertising: The (name of device) is a revolutionary invention that provides the answer to safer smoking. It reduces gases as well as tar and nicotine. The device prevents formation of high temperature gases in cigarettes, thereby reducing the hazards of smoking. You can use the (name of device) on any popular brand of cigarette, including filter cigarettes. Independent laboratory tests substantiate the claim that the (name of device) significantly reduces tar , nicotine, and gases in the popuJar brands of cigarettes. The (name of device) re-engineers your cigarette to give a less harmful smoke. In addition , unsolicited testimonials state that the smoker enjoys a cooler and more flavorful cigarette, reduces smoker s cough and avoids harsh bite found in many brands of cigarettes.

ADVISORY OPINION DIGESTS 1111 In the advisory opinion which was rendered to the requesting party, the Commission said:

The Commission has carefully considered your request along with the laboratory reports and other material submitted in connection therewith and has concluded that the data do not support the claims made in the proposed advertising. The conclusions offered on the bas-is of the laboratory tests cannot be accepted because such tests do not provide statistically valid data from which tar and nicotine reduction claims may be justifiably made. Nor do the tests otherwise conform to the Commission s standards for cigarette testing described in the Commission s press release issued August 1, 1967. Moreover, tests by the Commission s Cigarette Testing Laboratory indicated that there are no statistically significant reductions in the tar or nicotine content of cigarettes decreased by means of the device.

In addition to the methodological infirmities of the submitted data , the Commission also notes that none of the reports submitted shows that the alleged reductions of tar, nicotine, and benzopyrene content result in a decrease in the incidence of cancer, coronary heart disease, bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, or other diseases associated with cigarette smoking. Nor do the tests otherwise establish that the claimed reductions of tar, nicotine or benzopyrene content obtained by means of your device significantly reduce the health hazards of smoking. In short, there appears to be no substantial scientific evidence in support of the claim that the device " provides the answer to safer smoking. (File No. 703 7001 Released October 9 1969)