‘Spitless’ tobacco to be tested locally
‘Spitless’ tobacco to be tested locally
Skoal Dry sold as smoker alternative
Skoal Dry sold as smoker alternative
Louisville will be one of two test markets for a new Skoal Dry smokeless tobacco that its maker says is “spitless.” The test starts this month.
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco hopes its Skoal Dry will provide an alternative for adult smokers who might want to quit because of bans and restrictions on smoking, concerns about second-hand smoke and a desire for the kind of discretion that doesn’t come with a cup of spit.
“We think this product fits the bill in all those respects,” spokesman Mike Bazinet said.
The Greenwich, Conn.-based U.S. Smokeless Tobacco has a Hopkinsville plant.
Advertising for the test is scheduled for next week, with the testing to start the following week. How long it will last has not been decided, Bazinet said.
The company also is testing the tobacco in Austin, Texas — as is one of its smokeless-spitless competitors, Reynolds American.
“In that sense, Louisville will act somewhat as a control” for the testing, Bazinet said.
As cigarette use declines in the United States, smokeless products are the only growing segment of the tobacco business, Bazinet said.
With the Skoal Dry brand, the tobacco is contained in tea-bag-like white rectangular pouches that are about a half-inch long and can be placed in the upper or lower lip, Bazinet said.
A user would dispose of the packet — like chewing gum — after about 15 to 20 minutes when the flavor — regular, menthol or cinnamon — would dissipate, he said.
“Most people who try it would not feel the need to spit,” he said, in part because it is not moist like traditional smokeless tobacco.
A can containing 20 packets would be priced competitively with premium cigarettes at least on an introductory basis, Bazinet said.
Bazinet declined to discuss health risks, but a local health official said the risks remain even without the tobacco juice.
“Smokeless or spitless tobacco is a significant health threat,” Dr. Adewale Troutman, director of the Louisville Metro Health Department, said in a statement released by his spokeswoman. Troutman was not available for an interview.
The product “has a life-shortening effect,” is addictive and is known to cause cancer, Troutman said. “It is not in the best interest of a healthy population.”
Bazinet said the cans will carry required warnings, including that the product may cause mouth cancer, gum disease and tooth loss and that it is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is still testing a forerunner of Skoal Dry, called Revel. The Skoal Dry packets are slightly larger and available in different flavors than Revel, Bazinet said.
“Skoal Dry we feel is a greatly improved product,” he said.
Reporter Gregory A. Hall can be reached at (502) 582-4087.
