CANDY AS ADDICTIVE AS NICOTINE, SAYS EXEC [05/03]

A top tobacco executive said in a sworn statement that tobacco is no more addictive than Gummy Bears candy.

James Morgan, president of Philip Morris Co., also said he wouldn't get out of the tobacco business even if he were convinced that cigarettes cause cancer

When asked if he believes cigarette smoking is addictive, Morgan replied, "Pharmacologically, my answer is no."

"If they are behaviorally addictive or habit forming, they are much more like caffeine, or in my case, Gummy Bears," he said. "I love Gummy Bears ... and I want Gummy Bears, and I like Gummy Bears, and I eat Gummy Bears, and I don't like it when I don't eat my Gummy Bears, but I'm certainly not addicted to them."

New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco said that he was outraged by Morgan's comments. He said the executive's statement "might border on perjury."

The analogy to a candy is particularly galling because of accusations that tobacco companies have targeted youngsters in marketing, Vacco said.

"Statements like this border on making the negotiation process a mockery and I will not be part of this process if it degenerates to the point where the public is laughing at this process," he said.

To see more, watch CBS-TV's "60 Minutes" this Sunday.

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