This week, the FDA unveiled designs for 13 new health warning labels for cigarette packs that are larger and more upfront about smoking’s risks than previous labels have been. These labels use photos to highlight some of the lesser-known health risks associated with smoking, and the impact of smoking on children.
Regulators say the current warnings are virtually invisible and the new ones would represent the most significant update to cigarette labels in more than 35 years. While courts have previously sided with the tobacco industry on proposed label updates, these new images have the opportunity to greatly increase awareness about the dangers of smoking and prevent use.
Since 2000, nearly 120 countries have mandated bigger, graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging.