Woah – stunningly blunt cigarette warning
July 23, 2012 in International Health Care, Member Stories
I’ve admittedly not paid that much attention to the controversy about graphic pictures and warnings that the FDA wants to require on cigarette packages as of September.
So when I saw someone in London pull out a pack of cigarettes a few days ago I was stunned. The UK, Portugal and several other EU countries now print blunt warnings like this one, Smoking Kills, on the front and grim pictures on the back of cigarette packages. The warnings show some signs of success in the UK, mostly with new smokers, but are less effective in India. The UK is considering using the warning/graphic pictures strategy to curb excessive drinking.
In the US, a court challenge to the FDA warning requirement is pending.
Craig Chilton said on August 2, 2012
This is just one more example of how Europe is light-years ahead of the USA in many ways. Which for me is unfortunate, since I live in the USA. Greater transportation, far less idiotic censorship and similar hangups (the USA still is ‘way too Puritanical), and very refreshing other aspects make Europe delightful to visit — and I’ve been there 11 times. And now they’ve done this — while we still pander to Big Tobacco and keep WIMPILY dragging our feet! Sad.
Martha Bebinger said on August 3, 2012
Hi Craig – what do you think about the idea of warnings on alcohol? What do you think they should say?