Today the FDA announced that by September 2012 cigarette manufactures will be required to use more prominent cigarette health warnings on all cigarette packaging and advertisements.

This is the first major change in the cigarette warnings in 25 years. According to the FDA these graphic images are to:

  • increase awareness of the specific health risks associated with smoking, such as death, addiction, lung disease, cancer, stroke and heart disease;
  • encourage smokers to quit; and
  • empower youth to say no to tobacco.

I wonder why they've just decided to stop with cigarette companies? I mean there are other dangerous vices out there than just cigarettes.  Shouldn't fast food companies be forced to put a picture of a morbidly obese person and a warning that continued consumption could cause obesity? Or what about alcohol companies? Will we be seeing a picture of a mangled car with a warning about drinking and driving?

I personally feel that if you are going to smoke, drink, or eat until you end up on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition that is your choice and not the governments.

But, our government is by no means the first to implement the use of graphic pictures in cigarette warning labels.  Check out the cigarette health warning labels from around the world. I'm sure you'll notice some similarities to the new warning labels the FDA will be implementing.

 

 

 

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