Lorillard - statement from Dr. Bill True, Senior Vice President..

March 31, 2010 - Lorillard Tobacco Company today issued the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) which is holding its first public meeting this week. This statement can be attributed to Dr. Bill True, Senior Vice President.

The first meeting (March 30 and 31, 2010) is focusing on the impact on public health of the use of menthol in cigarettes.

"The FDA's scientific advisory committee will be looking at many aspects of regulation but one major challenge will be for committee members to remain focused on an objective analysis of the science surrounding menthol.

"Menthol, obviously, has been used for decades in food, drink, cosmetics and other products. And the science is clear and compelling that there is no differing health risk between menthol and non-menthol products.

"With respect to public health, using the best methods available to science, it is clear a menthol cigarette is just another cigarette and should be treated no differently."

Martin Orlowsky, chairman, president and CEO of Lorillard, writing in the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion Journal..

Reference: Lorillard Tobacco Company Statement Regarding FDA Panel Public Meeting, Lorillard News Release, 3/30/2010.