Dutch pulmonologist Wanda de Kanter and the Foundation for Youth Smoking Prevention (Stichting Rookpreventie Jeugd) are reportedly preparing a criminal complaint against Philip Morris International, alleging the company misleads consumers about the health risks of its heated tobacco products and violates restrictions on nicotine advertising. The complaint, being prepared with attorney Bénédicte Ficq, is expected to be filed within two weeks, with support from the Dutch cancer society KWF Kankerbestrijding and the lung health organization Longfonds.
The foundation argues that Philip Morris presents heated tobacco as less harmful than conventional cigarettes, despite the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) saying that heated tobacco products remain harmful and are not a safe alternative to smoking.
The complaint follows an unsuccessful 2016 criminal case brought by Ficq on behalf of De Kanter’s organization against Philip Morris and other tobacco manufacturers. Prosecutors declined to pursue that case, concluding that the allegations did not constitute a criminal matter and that tobacco regulation was a matter for lawmakers. Ficq argues that existing prohibitions on tobacco advertising and misleading consumers provide grounds for prosecution in the new case.
