NORTHFIELD, Ill. — A group of 58 religious leaders has written to the president of Kraft Foods, a subsidiary of Philip Morris Cos., to urge his parent company to halt its promotion of cigarettes to young people.
“As a top executive of Philip Morris, you must know that 4 million people worldwide will die this year from tobacco-related illnesses, and that economically poor countries are increasingly bearing the brunt of tobacco’s staggering toll on human life,” the leaders wrote to Robert Eckert, Kraft’s president and CEO.
“We believe Philip Morris’ marketing around the world, especially to addict young people, is one of the driving forces behind the rise in deaths that result from tobacco.”
The letter was signed by Catholic, Protestant and Jewish leaders.
They also requested that if Philip Morris does not correct “abuses” and change course that Kraft separate from the corporation.
A Kraft spokesperson could not be reached immediately for comment.
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