GREENSBORO, N.C., March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lorillard Tobacco Company today issued the following statement with regard to yesterday's announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the voting membership of the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).
"Ever since Congress, in a carefully constructed bill, authorized the FDA to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products, we have been anticipating the appointment of this panel.
"While the scientific advisory committee will be looking at many aspects of regulation, one major challenge will be for committee members to remain focused on an objective analysis of the science surrounding menthol.
"We remain confident that a serious examination of menthol science will show no differing health risk as compared to non-menthol products and a comparable cessation rate. We look forward to a fair hearing grounded in good science that advances public policy."
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, +1-202-973-1340, mrobinson@levick.com, for
Lorillard Tobacco Company
Web Site: http://www.lorillard.com/
