Truth Initiative applauds action to hold maker of American Spirit accountable

Breathe DC filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court on Monday against Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company for deceptive marketing.

“We know that people incorrectly and dangerously believe that smoking American Spirit cigarettes reduces the harm associated with smoking, because they mistakenly perceive ‘additive-free’ or ‘organic’ cigarettes to be a safer choice,” said Truth Initiative CEO and President Robin Koval in a statement, citing Truth Initiative® research.

The lawsuit follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) issued warning to the company in August 2015, stating that the claims “natural” and “additive-free” on these product labels constitute reduced harm, but there has been no enforcement. Reduced harm claims are prohibited under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 without prior FDA approval, which the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company has not received.

Truth Initiative applauds Breathe DC, a non-profit organization committed to lung health and clean air in Washington, D.C., for taking action to hold Santa Fe National Tobacco Company accountable for misleading marketing.