Question

Question 1

Critics of the tobacco industry allege that in developing markets cigarette manufacturers create special tobacco blends that contain additives to give an extra "kick." If true, such practices put the "standardization-versus-adaption" issue in an unusual perspective.

If tobacco companies adapt their products in this way, do you think this practice is ethical?

Can you think of companies in other industries that change the contents of their products to appeal to buyers? References:

Answer 1

In my opinion it is unethical practice by the tobacco companies to create tobacco products with additives to give extra kick. Cigarette companies use so many marketing techniques to increase the consumption of cigarettes and one of them is the use of additives. Though the companies deny their role in increasing the consumption, it is a fact that these marketing efforts have great role in making the youth addicted to smoking. They used additives like ammonia, diammonium phosphate and various ethanolamine and carbonates to improve the flavor of the smoke and to make it smooth in the past in brands like Marlboro and later started using flavors like vanilla, chocolate and licorice. The demand for cigarettes with less harsh taste contributed to the growth of menthol cigarette brands like Cool and Salem. These menthol cigarettes have significant role in increasing the cigarette consumption of new smokers due to its ability to mask harshness, appealing cooling sensation and ease of smoking. Use of those additives made it impossible for many smokers to quit smoking. Our generation is suffering from the health issues and related issues that may arise under the influence of cigarette usage. When the community and the government is putting so much efforts on reducing cigarette consumption, the cigarette companies should not come forward with strategies that will increase the usage which is a threat to the human health as well as the peaceful living in the society.

Please refer the article ‘The Tobacco Industry’s Influences on the Use of Tobacco among Youth’ in ncbi website.

The companies in other industries that change the content of products to increase sales include toothpaste companies which add different flavors and tastes through the addition or change of contents to make the toothpaste more appealing. We can see under Colgate itself so many types with different flavors and also different contents for whitening, for sensitive tooth and also with salt for making the tooth strong. Another industry can be medical industry which changes the contents of medicine and replaces with the alternative contents that makes the drugs more appealing and consumable to the customers. Some of the drugs replace the contents to make it less costly, some of them to reduce side effects and some of them add flavors for easy consumption.