BCA criticizes gov't tobacco prize

Beijing Consumer Association (BCA) yesterday criticized a Ministry of Science and Technology prize conferred on China's tobacco industry, calling it "inappropriate" to endorse cigarettes.

The annual ministry prize under attack is designed to recognize breakthroughs in science. It extended the title for this year to "some innovations in the technique of chemical control in cigarette making," according to an association statement.

"Technology advances should mean more than commercial gains. They are supposed to bring us forward to a civilized society," said the statement.