Washington State - as of September 1st no more single cigarettes sold..

photo: MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES
September 6, 2010 - One of the provisions in the rule that became effective on June 22, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited the sale of cigarette packages with fewer than 20 cigarettes. (U.S. FDA publishes rule to protect our children that restrict advertising and marketing of tobacco products..)

The FDA stopped the sales June 22, and stores in Washington State had until September 1, 2010 to sell off any remaining stock. The SingleStick cigarette sold at convenience stores, just one cigarette, in a plastic tube, selling for 75 cents to $1 each. "They were very popular. We sold 80 a day," says Amy Chinn, owner of the Mercer Mini Mart in Seattle. "People would ask me what happened. I would tell them, 'Ask the government. I can't answer that.' "

They had been around for 15 years, sometimes displayed in a cardboard box on the cash-register counter, sometimes inside a plastic box that rolled them out like toothpicks.

Anti-smoking forces had never liked that some enterprising stores would open up a pack of cigarettes and sell them individually. They said that would entice kids to buy them and begin the habit.

So in 1993 states banned stores from doing that. But because of quirks in laws of a few states, including Oregon and Washington, it turned out that until the FDA stepped in, individual cigarettes could be sold — if each cigarette had its own tax stamp.

A Phoenix company, Prime Time International, decided to package individual cigarettes in plastic tubes, and at first had workers applying the stamps by hand. Then it figured out how to use automation to apply encrypted tax stamps to each tube, so each tube had its own individual stamp. It'd turn out that Oregon and Washington were the biggest markets for SingleSticks.

Reference: Need to buy one last cigarette? Too bad; SingleStick sales halted by Erik Lactitis, Seattle Times, 9/6/2010.

Washington State - some related new briefs:
Washington State - smoking rate going down, smokeless tobacco use going up..;
Washington State - since 2000 61% fewer people smoking inside homes..;
Washington State - tax on tobacco products increase as of May 1, 2010..;
Washington State - increase in tax on all tobacco products..
Washington State - R.J. Reynolds found guilty of violating ban on cartoons..;
Weight-based taxation of moist snuff..

Read more...

Thailand govt - wants to ban the growing of Burley and Oriental tobacco..

September 6, 2010 - Nearly 10,000 families of Burley tobacco planters in Sukhothai have called on the Public Health Ministry to reconsider its plan to ban or phase out growing of two tobacco varieties. The ban on Burley and Oriental tobacco, in compliance with an international agreement on tobacco control, would leave only Virginia in the market, said Somnuek Yimpim, the headman of Thap Pueng subdistrict.

Somreung Thanasup, the Wangthong subdistrict headman, said tobacco growers in Sukhothai would join with Burley and Oriental growers in other provinces to ask the ministry to reconsider its position. He estimated that a ban would affect 100,000 families across the country.

The Public Health Ministry is preparing to ratify the pact initiated by the World Health Organisation in 2003. Three tobacco varieties now dominate the world market and Thailand grows all three: Virginia in the North, Burley in the central region and Oriental in the Northeast.

Directly related news brief: U.S. Burley tobacco growers - WHO FCTC articles elimination of American-style cigarettes..

During the curing process, burley tobacco becomes harsh tasting, so manufacturers add ingredients and sometimes blend different types of tobacco to make cigarettes made with burley more pleasant to smokers. The thinking behind the WHO guideline is that nothing should be done to make the product more alluring to potential smokers. (Tobacco additives issue set to take world stage by Tim Thornberry, Bizlex.com, 9/1/2010.

The WHO plans a meeting in November where 168 member countries are to vote on the final agreement, which was spearheaded by Canada and the European Union. (Tobacco's fate to be known in November, Philip Pemba, The Nation, 6/25/2010)

The panel to draft the tobacco control pact was set up last year with 24 countries including Thailand participating.

"Moves to control new smokers are beyond our control, and I think aggressive campaigns on tobacco control by the Public Health Ministry are very good," said Mr Somnuek.

"But we have planted Burley tobacco for a living for more than 60 years. What will we do if we can no longer grow it?" He said tobacco cultivation in Sukhothai took place from November to February and did not overlap with rice growing. Tobacco also provides a better return than rice because fertiliser and pesticide costs are lower, he said.

Reference: Tobacco ban worries growers, BangkokPost.com, 9/6/2010.

Some other Thailand news briefs:
Thailand - more measures put in place to protect non-smokers..;
Thailand - number of no-smoking zones expanded..;
Thailand - PMI likely breached the Foreign Business Act..;
Thai Tobacco Monopoly withdraws products from Tabinfo Asia 2009..;
Thailand - organizer of international tobacco exhibition fined..;
Thailand - hand-rolled cigarettes more popular and other matters..;
WTO - "DS 371" Philippines versus Thailand on cigarette customs valuation..;
Thailand - Tobacco Expo organizers and guests must obey all tobacco control laws..;
Thailand unit of Philip Morris International faces charges that it violated custom tax rules..;
Thailand - hosting major tobacco promotion event in November 2009..;
Thailand Tobacco Monoploly - union concerned about privatization..;
Thailand - monks sickly from tobacco smoking and/or smoke exposure..;
Philippines - Thai cigarette import rules..;
Thailand - cigarette and liquor prices are expected to rise once new measures for calculating excise taxes take effect..;
Congratulations.. Thailand Joins Developed World With Total Ban On Smoking..;
Discouraging Tobacco Use - Horrific Images on the Packaging..

- Thailand is a member of Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA)..

Read more...

Philippines - bill would require 75% of locally-grown tobacco in cigarettes..

September 6. 2010 - A senior lawmaker has filed a bill requiring cigar and cigarette manufacturers to use at least 75 percent of locally-grown tobacco in the manufacture of cigarettes in the country to help the economy grow.

Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Owen Singson Jr., author of House Bill 170, said in the past five years, cigarette manufacturers have reduced considerably the use of locally-produced tobacco and shifted to the use of imported tobacco as raw materials in the manufacture of their cigarettes.

He said for more than 30 years in the past, tobacco farmers in the North have enjoyed a certain level of economic stability and prosperity, giving them the opportunity to improve their standard of living that enabled them to send their children to school.

Under the measure, the National Tobacco Administration is directed to formulate the implementing rules and regulations and shall establish a performance monitoring system to ensure compliance.

Violators face a fine of P10 million (225,174.51 USD) to P50 million (1,125,872.56 USD) and closure of the establishment.

Reference: Bill seeks to compel cigarette firms to use 75% local tobacco by Paolo S. Romero, The Philippine Star, 9/6/2010.

Philippines - some related news briefs:
Philippines - lawmaker files bill to make cigarette-makers share in the health costs of smoking..;
Philippines - House of Representatives turns down proposal to hke tax on cigarettes by 400%..;
Philippines - PMI warehouse opens - former smokers that no longer have a voice are upset..;
Philippines - injunction regarding picture health warnings on cigarette packs nationwide..;
Philippines - more and more women dying of lung cancer..;
Philippines - tobacco companies don't want warnings on cigarette packs..;
Philippines - President Aquino has stated he will prioritize increase in the tax on cigarettes..;
Philippines - DOH pushing for hefty tax increase on cigarettes..;
Philippines - Muslim council says smoking is forbidden..;
Philippines - PMFTC has 90% of the tobacco market..;
Philippines - Philip Morris report sales higher than annual 2-3% growth..;
Philippines - National Tobacco Assoc. will oppose any move to reduce demand for tobacco unless govt..;
Philippines - tobacco industry has obtained temporary relief from placing graphic warnings on cigarette packs..;
Philippines - govt agencies and employees barred from unnessary interaction with tobacco industry..;
Philippines - Filipino Muslims forbidden to smoke, trade cigarettes..;
Philippine congress proclaims Aquino 15th president..;
Philippines - tobacco firms claim graphic warnings on cigarette packs are illegal..;
Philippines - new president smokes but this should not slow tobacco prevention activities..:
Philippines - Department of Health wants health warnings on cigarette packs within 90 days..;
Philippines - health groups want more protection from the dangers of tobacco..;
Philippines - DOH warns government agencies to avoid partnerships or accepting donations from tobacco manufacturers..;
Philip Morris Philippines..;
Philippines - DoH pushes for picture warnings on cigarette packs..;
Philippines - PMI - FTC merger may lead smokers continuing to smoke and lure children into a life of nicotine addiction..;
Philippines - PMI and Fortune Tobacco Corp. form new company called PMFTC..;
Philippines - Tanauan City names street Philip Morris..;
Philippines - DOH campaign for 100% smoke-free workplaces..;
Philippines - total tobacco industry could be down 10% to 15% this year..;
Philippines - 2003 ban on advertising and skirting the ban..;
Philippines - June is annually observed as 'No Smoking' Month..;
Philippines may be losing the war against smoking..;
http://snus-news.blogspot.com/2008/11/philippines-thai-cigarette-import-rules.html;
Philip Morris won't postpone Philippines Eraserheads Concert..;
Philip Morris could be criminally liable for its sponsorship of the event .in the Philippines..;
STOP PMI Sponsoring Concert in Philippines..;
Philippines - Smoker to be deported...
Filipino
Read more...

Pregnant - it's best to be tobacco free to avoid a miscarriage..

September 6, 2010 - A Swedish study by the Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University warned that women who uses snus are 60 percent more likely to misscarry than average.

“Stillbirth is probably one of the worst things that can happen to parents who are expecting a baby. That also snus increases the risk of this underlines the importance of being complete tobacco-free when you are pregnant”, Anna-Karin Wikström at the Uppsala University Hospital Women's clinic told newspaper Upsala Nya Tidning.

Snus, a moist powder tobacco product that you consume by placing it under the lip, is said to be much less dangerous than smoking. But to take up snus in order to quit smoking may be contra productive. A woman who smokes just a few cigarettes a day has 40 percent higher risk of miscarriage.

"Taking the help of snus to quit smoking is a bad option to protect children", said Anna-Karin Wikström.

The study, that was launched more than ten years ago, involved almost 570,000 women.

The small, teabag-like pouches, also called moist snuff, are used by nearly one million Swedes. Placed under the user's lip, they quickly deliver a nicotine rush to the blood and a strong salt and herbs flavour in the mouth. While cigarette sales have tumbled by 50 percent in Sweden over the past 30 years, snus is on the up, with sales rising from some 2,500 tonnes a year in the 1970s to almost 7,500 tonnes in 2008.

Sweden is the only EU member state where sales are permitted. (EU Scientific Committee Concludes: Insufficent Evidence to Lift Ban on SNUS.); also SNUS pouches are promoted as being spitless..); The Art of Snusing..)

Reference: Snus increases miscarriage risk drastically, Author: Johan Nylander, The Swedish Wire, 9/5/2010.

Read more...

New Zealand - tobacco industry whistleblower addresses the Maori select committee..

Our hearts & prayers go out to "kiwis" - a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits the Christchurch area on September 3, 2010..

Aotearoa - Maori name for New Zealand..
Dr Jeffrey Wigand - the whistleblower famous for publicly exposing the inside workings of America's tobacco industry on 60 Minutes in the mid-1990s, and later portrayed by Russell Crowe in the movie The Insider - is in New Zealand this week (week of July 20th - 2010) to address the Maori select committee as it makes an inquiry into the tobacco industry.

The results of a multi-national study were published this morning, showing that of the eight countries tested, New Zealand cigarettes have the highest amount of tar and the second-highest level on nicotine per cigarette.

The study by international company British American Tobacco's researchers in Britain tested 80,000 butts supplied from smoked cigarettes by smokers in eight countries. Fifteen cigarette brands were tested in each country, to reflect the range available.

New Zealand smokers sucked out 1.62mg of nicotine a cigarette, the second-highest amount and far more than Australians' 1.36mg.

NZ smokers exposed to more tar than Aussies by Martin Johnston, NZHerald.co/nz, 6/21/2010.

The study was published online by the journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. Worrying findings as he sees them, with higher nicotine levels making it harder for us to quit smoking and tar being the irritant that leads to smoking related illness and death.

Greater addiction with more negative health effects as the consequence - according to Dr Wigand, it's a well-formed plan.

VIDEO - Watch the full interview..

Reference: Tobacco industry whistleblower talks to Campbell Live, 3News.co.nz, 6/21/2010.

New Zealand related news briefs:
New Zealand - a third of patients seeking treatment in the ED were smokers..;
New Zealand - the majority of New Zealanders support an end to commercial tobacco sales by 2020 - can it happen??;
New Zealand - study revives interest in keeping tobacco hidden..;
New Zealand - health board says no to psychiatric hospital smoking ban..;
New Zealand - report on illicit trade and options to control growth of illicit trade..;
New Zealand - ASH Year 10 Snapshot Survey - Dramatic youth smoking decline..;
New Zealand - plain cigarette and tobacco packs could turn teenagers off smoking..;
New Zealand - Tobacco companies target women..;
New Zealand - lobby group of small retailers formed to protest tobacco price hike..;
New Zealand - more than half of the people want to end tobacco sales by 2020..;
New Zealand - revenue department has begun a review of BAT financial transactions..;
New Zealand - increase in tobacco excise forced through Parliament by the Government..;
New Zealand - Christchurch prepares for meeting with tobacco select committee..;
New Zealand - biggest drop in smoking rates seen in a decade..;
New Zealand - Maori affairs committee continues to gather information..;
New Zealand - study quit-smoking products that are acceptabe and effective..;
New Zealand - smoking ban results in decrease in heart attacks..;
New Zealand - BAT attends Maori Affairs select committee meeting on tobacco..;
New Zealanders want cigarettes banned by 2020..;
New Zealand - Maori women - almost 50% smoke..;
New Zealand - more and more teenagers turned off by smoking..;
New Zealand - loophole in the law banning tobacco sponsorship..;
New Zealand - University of Auckland to go smokefree - 1st university in country..;
New Zealand - smoking ban in bars results in less smoking at home..;
New Zealand - study, tobacco displays leads to increase in youth smoking..;
New Zealand - graphic warnings cigarette maker selects less offensive images..;
New Zealand - Maori committee to investigate smoking..;
New Zealand - Tairawhiti Board wants tobacco sold only on prescription..;
New Zealand - health researchers calling on government to ban importation of tobacco..;
New Zealand - 1st trial ever of e-cigarettes..;
New Zealand - BAT reducing prices discouraging people from quitting..;
New Zealand - stop smoking campaigns NOT working..;
BAT awarded worst corporation in New Zealand..;
New Zealand - government may NOT support tobacco display bans..;
New Zealand More Evidence Needed to Ban Tobacco and Cigarette Displays..;
More evidence - tobacco displays increase the risk of teens smoking..;
Horror photos go on New Zealand cigarette packs..;
Country to Eliminate Smoking - The South Pacific nation of Niue;
Ireland to ban tobacco displays..;
Smokefree NZ within 10 years..;
By law, oral snuff cannot (but nasal snuff is allowed) be sold in New Zealand and can be imported only for personal use..
Read more...