Several health groups, including the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association are asking at least two state attorneys to investigate a new Camel cigarette advertisement, the Associated Press reported. The Camel Crush ads, in question, ran in 24 magazines, which target young people, a violation, they say of the Tobacco Master Settlement, which prohibits cigarette makers from targeting children.
Richard Smith, the Reynolds American Inc. a spokesman said for the company which owns the Camel brand, declared that the the ads are in full compliance with the Settlement, and that the company fully reviews the readership data, and analyzes the content of the publication it advertises in, he said.
The company agrees the marketing of tobacco products should not be targeted to minors and that the cigarettes are made for and marketed to adult tobacco consumers.
Reynolds American Inc. has been criticized many times over the years, particularly for using its Joe Camel cartoon character to connote the "coolness" of smoking. It has faced several lawsuits over a number of its ads.
While print ads for tobacco are banned in a number of countries, they are legal in the United States.
Menthol flavored cigarettes have also come in for scrutiny. Critics say they appeal to kids because the flavor masks the harsh taste of tobacco smoke.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is studying the effects of menthol flavoring in cigarettes on public health.
Cigarette cartons contain the Surgeon Generals Warning on them. Some even write in bold letters: "SMOKING KILLS.".
