New setback for the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World

The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, which describes itself as an independent scientific organization dedicated to "advancing tobacco cessation and harm reduction worldwide," multiplies the setbacksThe organization, exclusively funded by Philip Morris, is now being sued by one of its former employees, who accuses it of using its status as a foundation to promote products developed by the tobacco and nicotine industry, and of benefiting from tax exemptions.[1].

On January 13, 2021, Lourdes Liz, former digital and social media director at the Smoke-Free Foundation, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan court against her former employer. The organization is specifically accused of downplaying the health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

The Foundation, a promotional showcase for the tobacco and nicotine industry

According to the complainant, the Foundation even went so far as to promote these new products to teenagers. Derek Yach, president of the Foundation, and its advertising agency are notably singled out for proposing a social media marketing strategy that involved the mobilization of Instagram influencers, explaining, for example, how to make steam rings. This promotion of the industry's products is all the more problematic because it is prohibited by law.

A partnership relationship with Philip Morris and Altria

Far from being an independent scientific organization, the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World is accused of being a front group working directly to promote the interests of Philip Morris International (PMI), as well as its former parent company, Altria, which markets the Marlboro and IQOS brands in the US and is one of the owners of the world leader in e-cigarettes, Juul Labs. This relationship, contrary to the spirit of independence vaunted by the Foundation, is affirmed in an email from Derek Yach. In it, he states to Lourdes Liz "organize strategic sessions with the tobacco industry " as president of the Foundation, and emphasizes his willingness to follow the Foundation's directives in terms of budget and messages to be relayed. In this way, through its collaborative work with the tobacco and nicotine industry, the organization would violate the conditions under which the organization, as a foundation, benefits from tax exemptions.

Credibility undermined

This complaint, if successful, will corroborate the numerous warnings from the scientific community and anti-smoking associations. In October 2020, the Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products (STOP) revealed that the Foundation had failed to find any other funders besides Philip Morris. In three years, the "scientific" organization had also spent no less than €240 million, investing more in communications and public relations than in research. According to the American NGO Tobacco Free Kids, "hundreds of public health organizations around the world, including universities, civil society organizations, research institutes, and scientific journals, have already rejected the Foundation and its science because of its financial ties to PMI."[2].

[1] Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Lawsuit Alleges Collaboration Between Philip Morris International and the Supposedly Independent Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, 01/15/2021, (accessed 01/18/2021)

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