United States Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science & Transportation
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Press Releases
For Immediate Release
11/08/07
Contact: Jenilee Keefe w/Inouye 202-224-7824
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Commerce Committee to Examine Whether Current Cigarette “Tar” and “Nicotine” Ratings Mislead Smokers
Hearing to Address Accuracy of FTC Cigarette Ratings, Marketing Practices
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced it will host a committee hearing on Tuesday to examine the accuracy of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) tar and nicotine cigarette rating system and the marketing claims of cigarette companies based on these ratings.
 
The FTC has raised concerns about its testing methods and has admitted in prior Congressional testimony that its “ratings tend to be relatively poor predictors of tar and nicotine exposure,” noting how machine-measured tar and nicotine ratings are not an accurate reflection of tar and nicotine intake. 
 
The committee will also review the FTC’s jurisdiction over deceptive marketing and advertising practices. The committee will explore tobacco companies’ marketing of light cigarettes to Americans, the use of “light” and “ultra light” in cigarette manufacturers’ advertising practices, and the public health implications of changes in cigarette design.
 
A witness announcement is forthcoming. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) will preside. 
 
Accuracy of the FTC Tar and Nicotine Cigarette Rating System
Full Committee
Date:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007 
Time:  2:30 p.m.
Location:  Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building
 
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Public Information Office: 508 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Tel: 202-224-5115
Hearing Room: 253 Russell Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
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