Tobacco.org

• Portuguese authorities seize 7 cigarette brands after lab tests 

Authorities on Monday began seizing seven brands of cigarettes from shops and warehouses across Portugal after laboratory tests alleged they contained excessive levels of tar, an official said.

Manuel Lajes, spokesman for the Food and Economic Safety Authority, a government watchdog, said inspectors were visiting sales points and ordering wholesalers to recall the brands.

Regular annual tests on tobacco products by health authorities found the brands allegedly had tar levels above those stated on the pack and over the legal limit in Portugal, Lajes said.

The brands were Sovereign and Mayfair, produced by Gallaher Group PLC; Dunhill and Rothmans, made by British American Tobacco PLC; Golden American from Tobacco Manufacturers International Ltd.; Berkley; and Sterling.

Jump to full article »