GREENSBORO, N.C., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Lorillard Tobacco Company today issued the following statement with regard to the report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) about the use of menthol cigarettes, which was released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
"While we have not had the opportunity to review this report in depth, the most comprehensive government sponsored studies show that populations who use menthol have lower smoking rates across all age groups.
"Importantly, this report appears to ignore the chief finding of the survey -- that menthol use among underage smokers has leveled off in the last year. According to current data, adult smoking rates continue to decline, while youth rates are at historic lows and have been in decline for more than a decade.
"The current weight of scientific evidence does not support the conclusion that menthol cigarettes confer a greater health risk than non-menthol.
"Lorillard looks forward to cooperating with the FDA as it makes an objective science-based assessment in its review of menthol."
About Lorillard, Inc.
Lorillard, Inc. , based in Greensboro, is the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. Lorillard was founded in 1760, and is the oldest continuously operating tobacco company in the U.S. The company's headquarters has been based in Greensboro since 1997, and it has maintained production, distribution and research and development operations in Greensboro since 1956. Newport®, Lorillard's flagship brand, is a menthol-flavored premium cigarette brand and the top selling menthol and second largest selling cigarette in the U.S. In addition to Newport, the Lorillard product line has five additional brand families marketed under the Kent®, True®, Maverick®, Old Gold® and Max® brand names. These six brands include 44 different product offerings which vary in price, taste, flavor, length and packaging. Lorillard's manufactures all of its products at its Greensboro, North Carolina facility and maintains its headquarters there. For more information, visit the Company's web site at http://www.lorillard.com/.
Lorillard Tobacco Company
CONTACT: Michael W. Robinson of Lorillard Tobacco Company,
+1-202-973-1340, mrobinson@levick.com
Web Site: http://www.lorillard.com/
