Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids targets R.J. Reynolds marketing of smoke-free products

WASHINGTON Plans by R.J. Reynolds to test market three new smokeless tobacco products have drawn ire from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

The three products, marketed under the Camel brand as Camel Strips, Sticks and Orbs, dissolve in the mouth and come in “fresh” and “mellow” flavors, RJR has advertised. RJR is testing them in Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Ore.

“RJR’s new products add to a growing list of novel products tobacco companies have introduced recently in their relentless efforts to recruit new youth users, create and sustain addiction to nicotine and discourage current users from quitting,” the campaign said in a statement. “The tobacco industry will continue to get away with these harmful practices until Congress ends the industry’s regulatory exemption and passes legislation granting the [Food and Drug Administration] authority over tobacco products.”