British American Tobacco : A statement from British American Tobacco on the need for robust and effective vapour product regulation

British American Tobacco has today issued a statement highlighting the need for robust and effective regulation of vapour products, following the recent tragic consumer cases reported in the media.

Dr David O'Reilly, Director of Scientific Research at British American Tobacco, said: 'As the world's second largest vapour company, providing high quality products to more than 9 million consumers worldwide, we take consumer safety very seriously. Quality and safety testing are a crucial part of the way we develop and manufacture our products and we scrutinise the ingredients we use in them.

'We are fully supportive of the efforts of the various government agencies in the US, Canada and around the world who are working to understand the exact cause of the recent tragic consumer cases. To the best of our knowledge, no product developed or manufactured by BAT has been involved in these cases.

'However, these cases clearly demonstrate the need for robust and effective regulation which ensures high product standards, particularly with regard to the testing and reporting of the ingredients used in vaping liquids.

'Governments also need to ensure relevant authorities enforce manufacturer compliance with these regulations. Only through effective regulation and enforcement will consumers retain confidence in vaping products which could potentially reduce the public health burden related to smoking.

'Given the significant investment and scientific resources we deploy to the testing and stewardship of our own products, we stand ready to work with governments and the science community to help in any way we can to support the development of robust product standards.'

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