It has been previously documented that the tobacco industry exploits culturally significant symbols in its marketing practices. A 2009 Tobacco Control editorial showed how the tobacco industry, through advertising and corporate social responsibility activities, associates tobacco products with religious figures, health professionals, national landmarks and more, ‘propelling us toward a world where nothing matters more than profit for its own sake’.
Marlboro packs with the Mexican flag colours at the bottom. When opened, packs read ‘Throw the butts in the trash’ (tira las colillas al bote). Images are available for public access on the Tobacco Pack Surveillance System (TPackSS) website (https://globaltobaccocontrol.org/tpackss/).
Metallic box with a cigarette pack inside. When opened, it is possible to read: ‘Long Live Mexico September…