EU's top health chief quits

on 16/10/2012 18:48:16

EU Health Commissioner John Dalli has resigned over corruption allegations involving tobacco legislation, but denies wrongdoing.

Mr Dalli, from Malta, resigned after the EU's anti-fraud office found that he was aware of an attempt at corruption surrounding new legislation on the tobacco product snus.

The EU Commission said in a statement he resigned "with immediate effect." It said the anti-fraud office "did not find any conclusive evidence" of his direct involvement but considered "that he was aware of these events."

Snus is a Swedish type of smokeless tobacco, sold in loose form or in paper sachets that users stuff under their upper lip.

Snus sales are banned in the European Union, except in Sweden, which insisted on an exemption when it joined the EU.