Giant cig packet health warnings on way
Euro MPs were today giving final approval to tough new anti-smoking laws, including massive health warnings on cigarette packets and the optional use of shock pictures such as rotting teeth and gums and scarred lungs.
By the end of September 2002, written health warnings will cover more than one third of every cigarette pack, with guidelines from the European Commission by the end of 2002 on graphic pictures designed to scare smokers out of the habit.
After months of wrangling between Governments and MEPs, a vote in the Strasbourg Parliament will endorse health warnings covering 35% of the front of every packet and 45% of the back.
Cigarette descriptions such as low tar, mild and light will be banned from the end of September 2003.
And a new maximum tar content of 10 milligrams per cigarette - down from 12 milligrams - will apply from the start of 2004, along with EU ceilings of one milligram for nicotine strength and 10 milligrams for carbon monoxide content.
Labour MEP and health spokeswoman Catherine Stihler said: ‘‘This legislation will transform the way cigarettes are sold in the UK and alter the public perception of smoking forever.’’
She said the changes in the packaging of cigarettes would put the health risks ‘‘centre stage’’, adding: ‘‘Giant health warnings will dominate cigarette packs - singling them out for special attention as the only product which kills when used as intended.’’
The use of pictures, including smoke-stained and cigarette-damaged teeth, and young children imitating their cigarette-wielding parents, was a move demanded by MEPs, wielding their recently-acquired joint powers with EU governments in some areas of legislation.
The graphic illustrations will be optional but Mrs Stihler said she was convinced picture warnings would appear on UK cigarette packets ‘‘in the very near future’’.
She went on: ‘‘This legislation is a significant blow to the tobacco industry. The days of glamorous cigarette packs with obscure health warnings are over. Smoking will never be the same again.’’
