615 



Dr. Connolly to support his assertion was written over 20 years 

 ago, does not mention Skoal Bandits, was not created by U.S. 

 Tobacco and does not reflect U.S. Tobacco policy. 



U.S. Tobacco strongly believes that those who enjoy its 

 products should be adults. That is why U.S. Tobacco and other 

 smokeless tobacco manufacturers have devoted substantial efforts 

 and resources to discourage the sale of their products to minors. 

 Those efforts include support of state laws mandating 18 as the 

 minimum age for purchase of smokeless tobacco; programs to remind 

 parents, retailers and other adults that smokeless tobacco is an 

 adult custom not intended for youth; and a national campaign in 

 publications such as USA Today and U.S.News and World Report to 

 communicate our "adults only" policy. 



In this regard, it is noteworthy that according to a recent 

 HHS report, use of smokeless tobacco by males under 18 years of 

 age is low, decreasing and very close to HHS's "target" or goal 

 for the year 2 000. The 1992 Healthy People 2000 Review ^ states 



^The 1992 Healthy People 2000 Review was compiled by the 

 National Center for Health Statistics (Centers for Disease 

 Control and Prevention) and submitted by HHS Secretary Shalala to 

 the President and Congress in compliance with the Health Services 

 and Centers Amendments of 1978. 



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