RIO DE JANEIRO - A multinational tobacco company issued a response on Thursday after Brazil’s attorney general filed a lawsuit seeking to recover costs by the public health care system in treating smoking-related illnesses. The suit filed Tuesday against Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco seeks to recuperate losses over the last five years for the treatment of 26 diseases with scientifically proven links to tobacco usage. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOWIn the suit, the attorney general’s office said Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco and their subsidiaries are responsible for 90% of Brazil’s cigarette sales and manufacturing. Brazil’s Health Ministry estimates that the country loses the equivalent of $3.5 billion per year due to medical expenses and lost productivity from nicotine addiction. A statement from the attorney general’s office said the case didn’t intend to affect tobacco production in Brazil.

Source: thestar May 23, 2019 15:36 UTC