Groups Call for Probe of New Winston Ads

Three public health groups Monday asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.’s new advertising campaign touting Winston cigarettes as additive-free.

The American Cancer Society, the American Heart Assn. and the American Lung Assn. say the ad campaign amounts to a claim that the all-natural version of Winstons carries fewer health risks than other cigarettes.

The groups want the FTC to use its authority over deceptive advertising to require substantiation for the claims. If the agency concludes that the ads are deceptive, it could file a complaint to block them.

“This ad campaign implies not only that a Winston cigarette is healthier but that consumers will face reduced risks when smoking no-additive Winstons,” said John Seffrin, chief executive of the American Cancer Society. “We’d like to know how Reynolds can say this so boldly.”

In a statement, RJR, a unit of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., said the company is promoting the no-additive Winston as a cigarette that offers better taste, not reduced health risks. Many of the new Winston ads end with the slogan “True taste.”

“We do not make the claim, directly or indirectly, that smoking a no-additive product is somehow better for you,” RJR said. “We suggest that smokers consider the risks when choosing to smoke no-additive Winston or any other brand.”

Tobacco companies typically add flavors and chemicals, such as licorice, cocoa and ammonia, to their product. In the past, public health groups have charged that ammonia in cigarettes enhances the effect of nicotine.

RJR announced in May that it would sell the new cigarettes. Since that time, the company has touted the reformulated Winstons with phrases such as “Nothing but tobacco” and “No additives, no bull.” Although the ads don’t make any health claims directly, the health groups say they do by implication.

FTC spokeswoman Bonnie Jansen said the agency will give the petition “close scrutiny, as we do all petitions.”