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Tobacco Control Officials Slam Decision to Use Indianapolis as Test Market for Smokeless Tobacco

Smoke Free Indy Doesn't Want Indiana to Serve as "Guinea Pig for Big Tobacco"

INDIANAPOLIS – In response to plans by Philip Morris to use Indianapolis as a test market for a new smokeless, spitless tobacco product, officials representing Smoke Free Indy today said that it is "…outraged that Indianapolis has been chosen to serve as a guinea pig for big tobacco".

The organization says in light of the city's recent decision to adopt a smoke-free ordinance, this new product creates "a haze of confusion" that Indianapolis doesn't need – both for the well-being of its citizens, as well as for maintaining its image as a clean, metropolitan city.

The product, known as Taboka, is scheduled to be test marketed this summer in Indianapolis before being released in retail stores nationwide.

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson agrees.

"Products, such as Taboka, get in the way of maintaining the good health that we want for everyone in our city; this is especially true in our efforts to protect our children and young adults," says Peterson.

"Regardless of the form it comes in, the product we're talking about is tobacco, it causes disease and it's one of the reasons why 27 Hoosiers die every day. I hope consumers will recognize that by testing this new product that their health is being compromised." says Liza Sumpter, MPA, Chairperson, Smoke Free Indy.

In addition, it opens up the opportunity for companies, such as Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds, to market their products as an alternative for people who work in locations where smoke free indoor air laws have been introduced.

"We're very troubled that this type of product may discourage our efforts to help tobacco users quit. The only safe way to break nicotine dependency is to quit using any form of tobacco product; Taboka only continues the addiction process.

"We are further outraged that Phillip Morris has chosen to test a product in Indianapolis that may appear to be a healthier option, when it still remains deadly for the tobacco user," adds Sumpter.

Another organization, also concerned about the tobacco company's plans is the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (TFK). In a recent visit to Indianapolis, TFK Executive Director Bill Corr says it's a "real warning sign" that Indianapolis was selected as a site for test marketing the product, and that the tobacco companies are "aggressive as ever" in marketing their products, especially toward youth.

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Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community-based organizations, physicians, businesses, schools and Marion County residents dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy.