CVS Health is leaving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce following news the organization lobbied governments overseas to weaken restrictions on the sale and use of tobacco products.
According to a recent New York Times report, the national business association has "become the hammer for the tobacco industry, engaging in a worldwide effort to fight antismoking laws of all kinds."
In a statement emailed to The Wall Street Journal, CVS said its "purpose is to help people on their path to better health, and we fundamentally believe tobacco use is in direct conflict with this purpose."
While denying claims it is promoting smoking, the Chamber, via The Associated Press, said its role was to engage in the "principled defense of the rights of companies and the free enterprise system."
Source: www.cvshealth.com