Report highlights PMI zealous addiction to addiction
Evans-Reeves K et al. STOP Report: Addiction at Any Cost: Philip Morris International Uncovered, February 2020.
“Leaked 2014 PMI documents outline the company’s corporate affairs strategy for the next 10 years. PMI’s main objective was to “establish PMI as a trusted and indispensable partner, leading its sector and bringing solutions to the table (Figure 3.7) (68).” The documents reveal its plan to expand its business and attract new customers via continued use of harm reduction claims (111). The documents show a company aware of its “demonization” and fearful of the detrimental impact this has had on its ability to shape policy. So-called “reduced risk products” are seen not only as essential to “drive future growth” but also to “normalize” the company’s image and to allow it to once again shape regulation in its own interest.” (p. 34 of the report)
Comment: Tobacco industry documents confirm suspicions that the tobacco industry is using its ‘harm reduction’ products as a means to maintain its business and drive profits. https://exposetobacco.org/wp-content/uploads/STOP_Report_Addiction-At-Any-Cost.pdf
Stephen Hamann
