FTC tosses guidance on tar, nicotine in cigarettes

"The cigarette industry for 42 years has made factual claims about tar and nicotine levels based on machine testing blessed by the (United States) Federal Trade Commission. Now the FTC has dropped the test, known as the Cambridge Filter Method, like a hot rock. The commission has rescinded guidance it issued 42 years ago, saying the test method is flawed. It also said the resulting marketing touting tar and nicotine levels could cause consumers to believe that lighter cigarettes were safer. As a result, future advertising that lists tar levels for cigarettes won't be able to use terms such as "by FTC method. 'Our action today ensures that tobacco companies may not wrap their misleading tar and nicotine ratings in a cloak of government sponsorship,' said Commissioner Jon Leibowitz. 'Simply put, the FTC will not be a smokescreen for tobacco companies' shameful marketing practices.' The commission rescinded the guidance by a 4-0 vote" - AP