Altria Group's Statement on FDA's Tobacco Regulatory Plan

Today, Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) tobacco regulatory plan:

We think today's announcement is an important evolution in the Agency's approach to regulating tobacco products and a meaningful step forward in developing a comprehensive regulatory policy that acknowledges the continuum of risk. We supported FDA regulation because, among other things, it created a framework for communication about reduced harm products. Reconsideration of the rules and timelines for newly deemed products is an important and timely step in this effort. The process outlined by the Commissioner today will allow all stakeholders the opportunity to participate in a science and evidence based regulatory framework which is "transparent, predictable, and sustainable."

It's important to understand that any proposed rule such as a nicotine product standard must be based on science and evidence, must not lead to unintended consequences and must be technically achievable. Establishing a standard of any sort is a deliberative process, with multiple opportunities for interested parties to provide perspectives. We intend to be fully engaged throughout this process.

Altria's Profile

Altria's wholly-owned subsidiaries include Philip Morris USA Inc., U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC, John Middleton Co., Sherman Group Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries, Nu Mark LLC, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd. and Philip Morris Capital Corporation. Altria holds an equity investment in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV.

The brand portfolios of Altria's tobacco operating companies include Marlboro^®, Black & Mild^®, Copenhagen^®, Skoal^®, MarkTen^® and Green Smoke^®. Ste. Michelle produces and markets premium wines sold under various labels, including Chateau Ste. Michelle^®, Columbia Crest^®, 14 Hands^® and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars^™, and it imports and markets Antinori^®, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte^™, Torres^® and Villa Maria Estate^™ products in the United States. Trademarks and service marks related to Altria referenced in this release are the property of Altria or its subsidiaries or are used with permission. More information about Altria is available at altria.com and on the Altria Investor app.

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