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We present new complaints for electronic cigarette advertising on social networks

After the lack of response to the claims made in 2019, we once again filed complaints with the Ministry of Health of the Nation, ANMAT and Defense of Consumers due to the illicit advertising of electronic cigarettes, carried out by the company Mig Vapor LLC in videos of musical artists broadcast through Youtube Argentina.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

On November 30, we filed a new claim with the Ministry of Health of the Nation for the illicit advertising deployed by the company Mig Vapor LLC in music video clips broadcast by the YouTube Argentina platform. The advertising contained in said videos consists of repeatedly showing artists consuming electronic cigarettes, constantly displaying the brand’s name in easily visible places, as well as providing a link in the description of the song that redirects to the brand’s website, where its products can be purchased without any type of control or impediment.

Since the Ministry of Health is the authority in charge of ensuring effective compliance with National Law No. 26,687 on Tobacco Control, we ask you to order YouTube, based on its status as an intermediary, to eliminate said audiovisual content produced in National territory. In addition, we ask that the links found in the description of the reported videos be removed and that redirect to the Mig Vapor LLC website. This claim consisted of a reiteration of the complaint made on October 2, 2019, due to the total lack of response from said body.

Likewise, on September 17, we presented an early dispatch to the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT), because this entity has expressly prohibited the advertising of electronic cigarettes in Argentina. However, we still do not get a timely response.

Finally, and in order to exhaust the various possibilities of claim granted by the Argentine legal system, we file a complaint with the Defense of Consumers. The action deployed by Mig Vapor LLC is part of a case of covert advertising, which due to its characteristics violates the rights of consumers, including to receive adequate and truthful information, to be treated with dignity and to adequately protect their Health. To this end, innumerable bureaucratic obstacles had to be overcome that reveal the serious difficulties in access to justice, not only for Civil Society Organizations, but also for Argentine citizens.

Through our complaint, we demand that the Defense of Consumers be the one who reliably notify Youtube Argentina to arbitrate the necessary means to control that the content that is reproduced through its platform, respects the tweet rules of the people consumers, the rights of children and adolescents, as well as the entire existing Argentine regulatory framework on tobacco control.

Currently, the tobacco industry continues to deploy its marketing strategy and, together with influencers, social networks are the showcase they use to circumvent the legal regulations of our country, and thus achieve their main objective, which is to promote and advertise their products, mainly, in children and adolescents. That is why we consider it necessary that both the State and the social network companies take measures that, in an effective way, allow to protect the rights of the youngest, as well as to put a stop to the predatory practices of commercialization of the tobacco industry.

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“Contains” half a sanction in the front food labeling law

With 64 positive votes and 3 negative votes, the Argentine Senate gave a half sanction to the project of frontal warning labeling. With the approval of the Chamber of Deputies, it would become law.

Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The debate on the text took place in the framework of an extensive session that took place on Thursday, October 29, which included different topics. The project, which understands labeling as the gateway to the adoption of other food policies, is based on the best standards recognized by human rights organizations and public health institutions.

Among the highlights of the text of the project are:

  • Use of the warning system for black octagons, with the legend “excess in”
  • Inclusion of the PAHO nutrient profile system.
  • Prohibition of all types of advertising on products that carry at least one black stamp; including the use of animated characters, prizes or gifts and the restriction on the use of claims
  • Inclusion of the legend: “contains sweeteners, not recommended for children” “contains caffeine. avoid in children ”
  • Prohibition of the promotion, offer and commercialization of products that have at least one black in school settings.

The next step is the discussion of the text in the Chamber of Deputies. We ask the members of the Lower House to accompany this project, give support to the text without modifications in order to reach the final sanction and consolidate this historic advance in the right to health and adequate food.

The project with half a penalty

Contact

Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org

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Clear labeling now: not a step back

From Fundeps we are addressing the senators to express the importance of their vote in favor of the Front Warning Labeling Law, which already has a favorable opinion from the Health and Industry and Commerce commissions.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The growth in obesity and overweight rates in our country is alarming and has been growing steadily in both boys, girls and adolescents as well as in the adult population; and advertising, lack of information and misconceptions about the nutritional value of what we consume are among the main contributing factors in the development of this epidemic.

In Argentina there is no food labeling system established by law that informs consumers in a clear, truthful and simple way if that product contains nutrients critical to their health. In this sense, scientific evidence clearly shows that frontal warning labeling is the best regulatory option to facilitate decisions that protect health. International organizations specializing in public health, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have clearly spoken out in favor of frontal warning labeling.

Furthermore, international human rights obligations require active policies based on scientific evidence that protect the right to health and the right to food. Recently, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dainius Püras, issued a statement calling on States to address the global impact of non-communicable diseases by adopting front-of-packaging labeling policies. for food.

Regarding which cut-off points should be used to determine when a product contains an excess of any of the critical ingredients (sugar, sodium, fat, calories), the nutrient profile model of the Pan American Health Organization – defined by a an institution that is a benchmark in public health interventions – it constitutes the highest standard of protection. This system has been adopted in the laws of countries in the region, such is the case of Chile and, recently, Mexico.

Senators have the opportunity to take this policy one step further. The experiences in countries such as Chile, Peru, Uruguay and -recently- Mexico show that it is possible to advance in evidence-based measures that address the specific needs of our countries and prioritize the human right to health and food. adequate above the interests of the industry.

More information

Contact

Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org

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Tags yes

In Argentina there is no food labeling system established by law that informs consumers clearly, truthfully and simply what it is that we are consuming. Front warning labeling with black octagons provides straightforward information that allows consumers to quickly and easily identify products that contain excess amounts of critical nutrients.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

There are different types of front labeling. Scientific evidence, free of conflicts of interest, has clearly shown that warning labeling on the front of the container is the best regulatory option to facilitate decisions that protect health. Recently, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dainius Püras, issued a statement in which he urged States not to remain passive in the face of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases -ECNT- and to address in a proactive and comprehensive manner preventable risk factors related to CNCDs and specified in a specific public health regulatory measure, such as frontal warning labeling, characterized as an effective intervention to protect public health.

Why is it necessary that the implementation of labeling occurs through a binding law and not through self-regulation? Self-regulation and voluntary commitments, in general, have not obtained satisfactory results. Evidence has clearly shown that industry self-regulation does not work, generally self-regulatory codes include weak and therefore ineffective restriction guidelines. Furthermore, their participation is voluntary and there are no monitoring, sanctions or supervision mechanisms. In this framework, the promotion of self-regulation also functions as an obstacle for the promotion of public policies and should be avoided by governments.

For their part, conflicts of interest refer to situations in which there is a confrontation between the public interest and a private interest that could unduly influence the adoption of a policy. In this case, it is the existence of interests unrelated to public health that prevent decisions from being made or actions aimed at protecting health from being carried out. With this criterion, organizations linked to the food industry should be excluded from decision-making spaces both locally and globally. Likewise, in order to protect decision-making spaces in matters of public health, transparency must be ensured. It is essential to have information about the people and institutions involved.

The State has the duty and obligation to guarantee, protect and respect the right to health and adequate food. The experiences in countries such as Chile, Peru, Uruguay and -recently- Mexico show that it is possible to advance in evidence-based measures that address the specific needs of our countries and prioritize the human right to health and food. adequate.

More information

Front labeling of warnings: a necessary policy to protect the right to health – Fundeps

Contact

Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org

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Normative analysis: How is the new tobacco regulation in Córdoba?

Today, May 31, the World No Tobacco Day is celebrated. On the occasion of this date, we carry out an analysis of the latest law passed in Córdoba on the matter.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

In October 2019, in the province of Córdoba, Law 10,661 was passed, amending Law 9,113 establishing the Permanent Provincial Program for the Prevention and Control of Smoking in the province of Córdoba. This new legislation extends the threshold of protection of the right to health from two thematic nodes. On the one hand, it incorporates a complete prohibition of advertising, promotion, sponsorship and exhibition of tobacco, its derivatives and smoking accessories in dispensers and any other type of shelf located in the premises where such products are sold. On the other hand, it introduces electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and establishes its prohibition of distribution and commercialization to minors under 18 years of age and the prohibition of consumption in closed places with access to the public. The new provincial legislation extends the threshold of protection of the right to health, in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and, mainly, with the standards established in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Until the enactment of the tobacco law No. 10,661, in the province of Córdoba, the prohibitions on advertising established by the national law 26,687 governed by the adherence of the provincial law No. 10,026. National law prohibits the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products directly or indirectly and through any means of dissemination or communication; leaving the advertisements at points of sale, the publications of companies in the sector and direct communications, with the consent and verification of the age of majority of the recipients.

However, through the new local regulations, progress is made in a higher standard of protection of the right to health than that established in the national standard, completely prohibiting advertising, promotion and sponsorship and including the display of the product as part of that prohibition.

In sum, in this report an analysis of Provincial Law 10,661 is made in relation to the two thematic nodes introduced, based on the delimitation of the scope of the new prohibitions in relation to the provisions of national legislation and international instruments in the matter (especially, the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control). At the same time, some of the possible challenges in the application of local law are recognized and possible advances aimed at deepening the protection of the right to health are seen.

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Author

  • Gonzalo Hunicken
  • Delfina María Scagliotti

Contact

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The right to health in times of pandemic

On December 31, 2019, the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the city of Wuhan, China. On March 11, 2020, the WHO Director-General characterized it as a pandemic, also highlighting the alarming levels of spread and severity of the virus. This exceptional situation puts the right to health and its interrelation with other rights in tension, at the same time that it challenges States and their health systems, especially for the protection of groups in vulnerable situations.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes that everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living that ensures him and her family health and well-being, especially food, clothing, housing, health care and the necessary social services (Art 25). Health, as a fundamental human right, is affected by social, economic, and environmental factors, among others; at the same time that it is interrelated to the exercise of other rights with which it is closely linked and on which it depends.

The isolation and social distancing measures are supported by the scientific evidence that is beginning to be collected about the outbreaks of contagion of the pandemic. They must respect human rights and especially protect marginalized and poor populations, who may be disproportionately affected. However, inequality in access to health services becomes more evident in this urgent context, which should challenge the entire society, and particularly those in decision-making positions, about the importance of having systems health benefits and the benefits of actively working to provide infrastructure for disease prevention.

Likewise, we all have the responsibility to comply with sanitary measures to protect ourselves and thus prevent the spread of the virus, the saturation of hospitals and health care centers. By reducing the risk of contagion to other people, who may or may not be within the risk groups, we are allowing current health systems to respond and provide adequate and immediate care to those who need it.

In this context, we share with you an analysis of the right to health in times of pandemic and the needs to protect the most vulnerable groups.

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Author

  • Ana Carla Barrera Vitali
  • Gaetano Vaggione

Contact

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A quarantine with rights

The world is going through extraordinary circumstances. The need to adopt urgent measures such as social isolation have changed our daily lives and put public health and security in tension. However, the policies implemented cannot forget the rights of citizens.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The situation of public knowledge of the progress of COVID-19 has necessitated the adoption of urgent measures whose objective is the protection of public health. The isolation and social distancing measures are supported by the scientific evidence that is beginning to be collected about the outbreaks of contagion of the pandemic. The World Health Organization recommends these measures and its representatives have recognized the Argentine government for its decisions that can limit the spread of this disease early on. As in other public health issues in which we have worked for years, Fundeps emphatically supports public policies based on scientific evidence and in line with the recommendations of specialized bodies in the field.

In this context of health emergency, it is essential to become aware of the importance of respecting quarantine in order to protect public health and guarantee the functioning of the Argentine health system. Failure to comply with the isolation measures, and the consequent risk for the population that this causes, allows the State to take sanctioning measures against those who violate it. However, it is also important to point out that, in the face of the initiation of a sanctioning process against a person who violates isolation, it is necessary that the acting security forces strictly comply with the legal procedure established for such a case, and respect all rights and the constitutional guarantees that, even in this state of emergency, remain in full force.

Those exceptions in which a person is allowed to circulate, undoubtedly should not be used by citizens as a pretext to violate preventive and compulsory social isolation. However, in the event of a permitted movement (For example: food supply), whoever is questioned by the security forces, must have the possibility of providing information to said personnel in order to make known the reasons for their movement. , that is to say, to exercise your release. A coercive measure by the police, should only find support in the existence of “enough reasons” (objective circumstances noted by the police officer at the time of the control) that allow us to assume that the person is actually violating the quarantine and that is not enabled to circulate (eg health professionals), but allowing before, worth the redundancy, to discharge it.

On the contrary, an arrest that does not take into account the reasons given by the person who circulates or even offers the possibility of giving them, will not only violate those constitutional guarantees that restrict the adoption of this type of measures (existence of enough reasons to proceed with the arrest and right of defense), but it will also make the exceptions contemplated by the DNU illusory Thus, any person who circulates on public roads should be detained and only after going through the entire procedure, could provide the reasons for their circulation to the competent judicial official. If so, this could cause an overflow in the places destined to house detainees, with the consequent overload of the minimum judicial system that is currently dealing with such cases.

Beyond the aforementioned, in cases in which security forces personnel detect a violation of quarantine and detain the person in question, the procedure must respect the dignity of the person without incurring degrading treatment, and using the force only when necessary. Furthermore, the procedural rules in force in each jurisdiction must be complied with, that is, immediately notify the competent judicial body, seeking the effective right of legal assistance and defense.

Finally, the application of inspection tasks should not be oriented and systematically directed to the “control” of those sectors in vulnerable situations. The guarantee of non-discrimination should not be ignored when supervising quarantine compliance, directing controls only to a certain population sector, but its scope should be general.

The existence of a state of sanitary emergency requires the responsibility of all citizens in complying with the quarantine measure. Failure to comply with such a measure undoubtedly demands a sanction to guarantee the health of the entire Argentine population, but must not lead to excesses, arbitrariness and abuse of authority by the security forces, seeking a quarantine with full validity of our rights.

From society, we must avoid acting by underestimating the number of cases existing today, which may seem few or with numbers that are not alarming enough: the behavior of the pandemic has already shown exponential growth in other countries. This is why it is necessary to think about the possible contagions of tomorrow, and especially the impacts on the health of those people belonging to the risk group and / or in a vulnerable situation.

Since the appearance of COVID-19, the need to review from the State and from all of society, the way of linking ourselves, both individually and daily and globally, has become evident. It is necessary that we collectively manage to take advantage of these circumstances to build ties, ways of relating that include citizenship, mutual respect and towards our environment, as starting points. Public health will be better protected with an active citizenry, responsible for the fulfillment of its obligations and capable of exercising its rights.

For more information, it is recommended to go to the official information channels by clicking here

Firm: Fundeps´s team

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“Care Prices” that neglect

On January 7, 2020, the national government announced the updated list of products included in the “Care Price” program, which includes 310 articles of various consumer categories. We analyze the program especially considering the lack of concordance between the choice of food and beverages and the current degree of malnutrition in our country, led by overweight and obesity.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

The new care price list includes more sweet cookies than whole grains. It contains only one class of legumes, numerous options of sugary and alcoholic drinks, table sugar. Only four vegetables and one type of fruit, cuts of meat with high fat content and products derived from it highly processed as medallions of industrial meats and sausages. It also offers yogurts and dairy desserts with high sugar content and highly processed industrial broths, mainly exceeded in sodium.

This program includes various products included in the basic food basket, whose structure dates from information provided by the National Survey of Household Expenditures (ENGHo) 1996/97, re-validated with the consumption pattern thrown by the same 2004/05 survey . This basket, although it reflects eating patterns of the Argentine population, reinforces the consumption of less healthy and strongly entrenched foods at family tables today.

These types of economic public policies, due to the nature of their impact, also form part of the food policies. In this regard, they should be planned and designed while integrating the standards proposed for healthy eating by human rights organizations and recognized international institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In line with these recommendations, it is necessary to encourage the consumption of whole grains and legumes, as well as fruits and vegetables, since they are the foods with the lowest consumption in our country despite their high nutritional quality. Also contribute to increase the consumption of lean fish and meats before highly processed meat products and also stimulate the consumption of drinking water instead of soda and excessively sugary juices.

The “care prices” program, as well as its previous versions, does not respect in any way the guidelines that organizations such as PAHO, WHO and FAO are recommending in order to reduce the current epidemic of overweight and obesity that leaps and bounds grows. Currently in our country, according to the Second National Survey of Nutrition and Health (2019), 67.9% of the adult population is overweight as well as 41.4% of the child population.

Likewise, these price agreements grant a preponderant role to the ultraprocessed products industry in the definition of food policies. The State, understanding the alarming panorama of excess weight in our population, must regulate based on scientific evidence and boost the consumption of quality food, while discouraging the consumption of unhealthy products.

In this way, policies must be thought of in an integral manner, even when the “Care Price” program is intended to contain the inflationary process and reduce its impact. As the doctor Luis María Delupi maintains, it is about:

“… A purely economic measure that arises from the Ministry of Economy, not that of health and that seeks to put an anchor price on most of the“ foods ”chosen by most Argentines and that are reflected in the basic family basket, seeking Resolve the emergency from the economic. But it is far from being a stimulus to the consumption of healthy and nutritious foods. ”

Concluding on the basis of all the above, it is stated that this policy promotes the consumption of foods rich in fats, sugars, sodium and refined flours; poor in vitamins, minerals and fiber and of very poor nutritional quality. It thus becomes less convenient and less accessible to consume real, quality food, without packaging, with few ingredients and nutrients. So, what can we demand from healthy habits and customs to a population whose consumption is strongly violated by an unfavorable environment when it comes to accessing and choosing healthier options?

Author

Agustina Enei

Contact

Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org

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LETTER TO THE INTENDENT MARTÍN LLARYORA: We need policies that address the problems of our city

Following the opportunity represented by the change of management at the municipal level, we want to express ourselves on key issues for the future of our city. Therefore, we jointly address other Cordoba organizations to the new Mayor of Córdoba, Martín Llaryora, with the aim of making recommendations regarding structural problems that cause serious damage to human rights.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Within the framework of the assumption of the new municipal management, there are unattended situations for years that need an urgent response. Through an open letter, we announce in ten points what these problems are and we make ourselves available to the new cabinet to work in an articulated way.

The ten points are summarized in:

  1. Environmental and health emergency in the Chacras de la Merced neighborhood
  2. Solid Urban Waste
  3. Urban Planning and Development
  4. Gender parity in the cabinet
  5. Trans labor inclusion and quota law
  6. Access to Legal Disruption of Pregnancy in Primary Care Centers
  7. Application of the Micaela law
  8. Access to public information
  9. Healthy school environments
  10. Smoke-free environments and protection of the non-smoker

These are 10 points, which are not exhaustive or exclusive of other problems, but require an urgent response because of the critical situations they represent. We hope that in the next 4 years we can articulate a joint work to continue advancing in the fulfillment of the human rights of the Cordoba community.

Access the full letter

Contact

Carolina Tamagnini, carotamagnini@fundeps.org

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Córdoba approves the complete ban on advertising of tobacco products

On October 9, the Cordoba Legislature passed Law 10,661 that modifies Law No. 9113 of the Permanent Provincial Program for the Prevention and Control of Smoking. The modification includes the complete ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, including the display of products; and also provides for the prohibition of commercialization and use in public places of electronic cigarettes and similar devices.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”

Until the enactment of tobacco law No. 10,661, in the province of Córdoba, the prohibitions on advertising established by national law 26.6887 governed by adhesion of provincial law No. 10.026. National law prohibits the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products directly or indirectly and through any means of dissemination or communication; leaving the advertisements at points of sale, the publications of companies in the sector and direct communications safe, with the prior consent and verification of the age of majority of the recipients.

However, through the new local regulations, progress is made in a higher standard of protection of the right to health than the one established in the national norm, completely prohibiting advertising, promotion and sponsorship and including the display of the product as part of that prohibition. Specifically, the law prohibits:

“The advertising, promotion, sponsorship and exhibition of products made with tobacco, its derivatives and accessories for smoking, in dispensers and any other kind of shelving located in the premises where such products are sold, and the sponsorship, sponsorship and use of direct or indirect incentives that encourage the purchase or that offer promotional discounts, delivery of gifts and prizes in money or species for the acquisition or consumption of the products and elements mentioned in this Law ”.

As for electronic devices, the standard prohibits “throughout the scope of the Province of Córdoba the distribution and marketing of products intended for smoking, as well as electronic devices with tobacco or any other substance that emits smoke, gases or vapors using the electronic cigarette, vapers and all other devices of a similar nature, to all persons under eighteen years of age ”.

From Fundeps, more than two years ago, we presented a bill with this initiative, in line with the recommendation of the World Health Organization. We rely on surveys that we carry out together with the Tobacco Smoke Free Alliance (ALIAR) that show that, in recent years, the points of sale include striking, colorful and visible advertising from outside these spaces. These strategies are more frequent at points of sale near schools. In this context, it is not surprising that more than half of the people who smoke start their consumption between 12 and 15 years.

We welcome this breakthrough which means a breakthrough, now we have to work for the proper implementation and supervision of these regulations. Our work as a civil society will continue to accompany this process and continue to demand that the highest levels of protection of the right to health be guaranteed.

More information

Contact

Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org

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The electronic cigarette, a harmful trend in social networks

On October 2 we filed complaints with the Ministry of Health of the Nation and the ANMAT (National Administration of Medicines, Food and Technology) denouncing the advertisements that MigVapor, an electronic cigarette company, has been making through music videos of different artists -influencers-. In Argentina, the advertising and marketing of electronic cigarettes is prohibited.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

On October 2, we filed complaints with the Secretary of Government of Health of the Nation and ANMAT, requesting the elimination of music videos that advertise and promote the use of electronic cigarettes and that are hosted on the YouTube platform. Additionally, we ask that the links found in the descriptions of the videos and that redirect to the website to acquire them be removed.

Electronic cigarettes constitute a real threat to public health throughout the world and their consumption is constantly increasing even in those countries where tobacco consumption had been eradicated. The eCig generally works with a battery coil that heats a liquid solution composed of nicotine, essential tobacco oils, flavoring and flavoring substances and other chemical substances, which are inhaled by the user. These levels of nicotine concentration in the solutions can vary according to the product but the negative impact on health is the same.

The industry spends millions of dollars annually to market its products through various advertising, promotion and sponsorship actions. For some time now and with the increase in the use of the internet and social networks, an important focus of marketing campaigns has been the use of young influencers, who through various types of publications have the possibility of influencing opinion and behavior of thousands of people.

This has been the strategy employed by MigVapor LLC, which for some time now uses different artists from the music industry to promote their products, through the appearance of several models of electronic cigarettes being used by the artists, the Visible brand name and in the descriptions of the videos, a redirect link to the website where they can be purchased and in some cases, including, including promotional discounts.

We have found this advertising in the following music videos, available for viewing on the YouTube platform of Argentina:

The advertising contained in the music videos, with images that seduce young people and with strong intentions to influence the consumption of tobacco, its derivatives and associated products, with the referral to a specific link to acquire the product, located in the description of the video, undermines the fundamental right to health guaranteed by constitutional norms and international treaties with a constitutional hierarchy and violates the resolution of ANMAT 3226/11 and the law 26.687 on the regulation of advertising, promotion and consumption of tobacco products , in addition to violating the right of consumers regarding prevention information that is unclear or non-existent regarding the consequences and impact on health due to the use of eCig.

It is necessary to design new public policies aimed at strengthening compliance with current regulations and actions that meet the new challenges generated by advances in technology and constant innovations for the dissemination and promotion of this type of products and to raise awareness to the population about the risks of their consumption.

 

More information

Author

Ana Carla Barrera Vitali

Contact

Agustina Mozzoni agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org

 

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The basic food basket, a policy that undermines the right to adequate nourishment

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