FDA Orders New Cigarette Warnings

The Food and Drug Administration recently ruled that cigarette companies must be more forthcoming with information on their products' negative effects. This comes roughly a year after the FDA gained firmer control over the Tobacco industry. Now, this organization can make industry regulations without relying on Congressional approval.

As a result of the FDA's ruling, cigarette packages will be required to devote half of their front and rear panels to warning labels. Additionally, the top 20% of all printed advertisements will also need to contain health advisories.

What is unique about these new labeling guidelines is their emphasis on graphic, rather than textual, content. New labels must contain drawings of photographs demonstrating the health problems cigarettes can cause, and these visuals will be rather vivid. For example, packages will show diseased lungs, corpses, tracheotomies, etc.

Graphic warnings make it easier for cigarette smokers to grasp the severe consequences of this habit. Previously, those with poor vision or literacy skills would have found it nearly impossible to navigate the fine-print warnings on tobacco products. Additionally, these larger cautioners will attract attention. As Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has explained, "We want to make sure every person who picks up a pack of cigarettes knows exactly what the risk is they are taking (Maugh, Thomas. "Cigarettes to Carry Grim Warning," LA Times 11/11/10 )

Those who want to see the proposed warning labels can do use on the FDA website. In addition to viewing the images, site visitors can provide the FDA with feedback on the proposed graphics. Opinions from the public will be accepted through early January 2011. After that, the FDA will make a final decision on which nine images will be used on cigarette ads and packaging. These would need to be implemented sometime in 2012.