
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 27, 1995                   TAG: 9505300067
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: THE NEW YORK TIMES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

8 BILLION CIGARETTES RECALLED

Philip Morris Companies Friday announced a $100 million recall involving more than 8 billion filter cigarettes, including its Marlboro, Virginia Slims and Benson & Hedges brands.

The company said manufacturing defects in filters could cause ``temporary discomfort'' to smokers from an irritant that is similar to a commercial pesticide.

Because there is no way to identify the defective cigarettes in their boxes or cartons, the company asked all smokers of 36 of its cigarette products to return them to retailers immediately for a full refund. It offered a 24-hour toll-free number, (800) 757-2555, that consumers, wholesalers and retailers can call with questions.

Marlboro is the world's largest selling cigarette brand. Besides it, Virginia Slims and Benson & Hedges, the other Philip Morris brands being recalled are: Merit, Basic, Cambridge Lights, Alpine Lights, Bristol Lights, Premium Buy Lights, Best Buy, Shield and Bronson. A variety of lengths, strengths and package types under each of those labels are affected .

``We regret this inconvenience to our customers and to our retailers,'' said James Morgan, president and chief executive of Philip Morris U.S.A. He said the company only determined the extent of the problem Friday afternoon.

Morgan said Philip Morris has not heard complaints from any smokers yet, although its own quality-control workers identified the problem a week ago.

The company said it has not shipped a single filter cigarette since then.

by CNB