Category: Also in TR

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  • Study: Advertising Bans Significantly Reduce Smoking Rates

    Study: Advertising Bans Significantly Reduce Smoking Rates

    A recent study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews has found that comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are effective in reducing smoking prevalence. The research indicates that such bans can significantly lower the odds of people smoking, highlighting the importance of implementing and enforcing comprehensive advertising restrictions to curb tobacco use.

    The study analyzed data from various countries with differing levels of advertising restrictions. Findings suggest that nations enforcing complete bans on tobacco advertising and sponsorship experience a more substantial decline in smoking rates compared to those with partial or no bans.

    The researchers advocate for the expansion of comprehensive advertising bans worldwide, emphasizing that such measures are crucial in reducing tobacco consumption and preventing smoking initiation, particularly among youth. The study supports the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which recommends comprehensive bans as part of a global strategy to combat tobacco-related health issues.

  • Finland: Smoking May Lead to Lower Earnings, Study Finds

    Finland: Smoking May Lead to Lower Earnings, Study Finds

    A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research indicates that smoking during early adulthood can negatively impact earnings, particularly among individuals with lower educational attainment.

    The study utilized data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, analyzing 3,596 participants aged 24 to 39. Researchers measured smoking exposure using “pack-years,” a standard metric that multiplies the average number of cigarettes smoked daily by the number of years a person has smoked. Findings revealed that each additional pack-year was associated with a 1.8% decrease in earnings and a 0.5% reduction in years employed.

    These results suggest that reducing smoking by five pack-years could potentially lead to a 9% increase in earnings. The study highlights the broader socioeconomic implications of smoking, beyond the well-documented health risks, emphasizing the importance of smoking cessation programs, especially for young adults entering the workforce.

  • Indiana: Legislation to Ban Flavors Introduced

    Indiana: Legislation to Ban Flavors Introduced

    Indiana State Representative Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) has introduced House Bill 1410, aiming to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products and e-liquids within the state. The bill targets products with characterizing flavors, including menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco, citing concerns over their appeal to youth and potential health risks.

    This legislative effort is not Jackson’s first attempt to address flavored tobacco; similar bills were introduced in previous sessions but did not advance past committee stages. The current proposal reflects ongoing concerns about the rise in youth vaping and smoking, with flavored products often criticized for attracting younger users.

    If enacted, the bill would make it a Class C misdemeanor to sell flavored tobacco products in Indiana, aligning the state with others like California and Massachusetts that have implemented similar bans. The legislation is currently under review by the Committee on Public Policy, where it will be debated and potentially amended before any further progression.

    The proposed ban has sparked discussions among public health advocates and industry stakeholders. Supporters argue that removing flavored tobacco products from the market could reduce youth initiation and addiction, while opponents raise concerns about economic impacts on retailers and potential growth of illicit markets.

  • Maine: Advocates Push for Tax Increase

    Maine: Advocates Push for Tax Increase

    For the upcoming 2025 legislative session, the Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) is prioritizing a tobacco tax increase, unchanged for 20 years, to fund cancer prevention in a state with one of the region’s lowest tobacco taxes and higher-than-average cancer rates.

    “Maine has one of the lowest tobacco taxes in the region but a higher cancer rate than the national average,” said Matt Wellington, MPHA’s associate director. “One in three Mainers will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Raising the tobacco tax is a proven tool to reduce smoking rates and prevent cancer.”

    The proposed increase aims to address Maine’s growing cancer burden by deterring tobacco use, especially among youth, and funding critical public health initiatives. Advocates emphasize that higher tobacco taxes are directly linked to lower smoking rates and long-term health savings.

  • E-cigarettes, E-baraku Banned from Students in Thailand

    E-cigarettes, E-baraku Banned from Students in Thailand

    On January 7, the cabinet of Thailand approved a proposal from the Ministry of Education that prohibits students from possessing electronic cigarettes and electronic baraku. Those items join cigarettes and narcotics on the nation’s list of prohibited items under the Child Protection Act.

    E-cigarettes and baraku (also known as water pipes or hookahs) are already illegal in Thailand, but are still widely available. E-baraku is a fairly new item that allows users to imitate smoking a cigarette.

    Deputy government spokesman Karom Ponpornklang said there would be four levels of punishment for students, climbing from warning to probation to deduction of behavioral points to behavioral modification activities. Education minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob said the ministry did not have the right to confiscate banned items, so other parties would have to be responsible for preventing their spread.

  • Morocco Launches Next Phase to Curb Smoking

    Morocco Launches Next Phase to Curb Smoking

    Calling tobacco use one of Moracco’s most serious health concerns, Health Minister Amine Tahraoui announced the second phase of a national plan to address it. Speaking at the House of Representatives earlier this week, Tahraoui outlined the plan scheduled to run through 2029, part of a strategy to address non-communicable diseases and ultimately reduce smoking by 20% in the nation. Combating tobacco use was a priority under the first phase, the National Plan for Cancer Prevention and Control, which ran from 2010-2019.

    The second phase will have several new measures, mostly centered around raising public awareness and launching campaigns focused on educating citizens.

    “Every year, nearly 8 million lives are lost to tobacco worldwide,” Tahraoui said. “Morocco must take stronger steps to safeguard its population from this tragic reality.” The minister said 8% of Moroccan deaths are attributed to tobacco use, costing the nation $500 million each year, which represents 8.5% of total healthcare expenditures and 0.45% of the national GDP.

  • Oliva Cigars See Price Increase

    Oliva Cigars See Price Increase

    Oliva Cigars announced its wholesale prices will increase either 3% or 5% beginning January 15. The company said it would honor its previous 2024 prices on any orders placed before January 15, and cited inflation as the main reason for the increase. The vast majority of Oliva’s cigars will increase by 3%, however, Oliva Serie V Melanio and Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro will increase by 5%.

  • BAT Expands VUSE Presence in Korea

    BAT Expands VUSE Presence in Korea

    BAT Rothmans, the Korean subsidiary of British American Tobacco, announced plans today to accelerate its growth in the country’s vaping market by broadening its product offerings and distribution network.

    The flagship VUSE Go Slim 2ml, initially available in limited districts within Seoul, will now be distributed across all of Seoul, Incheon, and Busan. The device features a transparent mouthpiece for checking liquid levels and a removable battery. To cater to varying preferences, six new flavors have been introduced: Cool Fresh, Pearl Spark, Forest Mix, Dark Smooth, Purple Smooth, and Blossom Smooth.

    The VUSE Go Box 6ml, launched last year, has become popular among adult users transitioning to vapor products. With three times the liquid volume of the VUSE Go Slim and additional features like a boost control button for enhanced flavor, the device is priced competitively at 25,000 won ($17.15).

    The company entered the Korean market 18 months ago, introducing the VUSE Go lineup as the first of its kind in Asia. The brand has gained recognition for its use of high-quality natural nicotine and odor-free technology. “VUSE is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of consumers by supporting the transition to non-combustible alternatives,” a BAT Rothmans official said. The company aims to strengthen VUSE’s position as a leading vapor brand in Korea by continuing to expand product options and accessibility.

  • PanelCompliance to Host Webinar on 21 CFR Part 11

    PanelCompliance to Host Webinar on 21 CFR Part 11

    The January 8th webinar will explore the significance of 21 CFR Part 11, a regulation critical for FDA-regulated companies transitioning to electronic records. The session will clarify how Part 11 extends beyond standard IT security by integrating specific measures for controlling electronic signatures and maintaining the integrity of electronic records, as outlined in FDA guidance. The regulation aims to balance the efficiency of electronic records with FDA’s priority on ensuring patient safety and preventing data compromise.

    Participants will gain insights into the regulatory framework, including the differences between open, closed, and hybrid systems, as well as the technical and procedural validation requirements for Part 11 compliance. The webinar will also address confusion stemming from the FDA’s initial regulation and its selective enforcement policy. By understanding these guidelines, companies can better navigate the intersection of data security and patient safety in FDA-regulated environments.

  • Optimism High as Zimbabwe Tobacco Harvest Begins Despite Weather Challenges

    Optimism High as Zimbabwe Tobacco Harvest Begins Despite Weather Challenges

    The early harvesting of Zimbabwe’s tobacco crop is underway, with farmers optimistic about achieving the annual target of 300 million kilograms despite earlier setbacks. Edward Dune, president of the Tobacco Farmers Union Trust, reported that most irrigated farms have started reaping, although recent heatwaves have compromised leaf weight in some areas. Encouraged by the December rains, small-scale farmers are still planting, and Dune anticipates an early start to the marketing season if favorable weather continues. The influx of labor to tobacco farms, particularly in arid regions like Binga and Muzarabani, reflects the sector’s importance for local livelihoods.

    To support farmers, the government has extended the deadline for seedbed destruction to January 15, 2025, following a recommendation by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). The extension, prompted by delayed rains and transplanting, allows growers to maximize their efforts amidst challenging conditions. With 84,661 hectares transplanted as of late December—exceeding last year’s figure—TIMB is optimistic about the industry’s growth and resilience. Efforts to ensure high-quality tobacco, proper handling, and competitive pricing remain priorities as TIMB prepares for a crop assessment exercise in January to evaluate the main dryland crop’s progress.