FDA Seeks New Warning Labels and Larger Package Coverage for Tobacco Products

“The 11 finalized cigarette health warnings represent the most significant change to cigarette labels in 35 years and will greatly increase public awareness of lesser-known but serious negative health consequences of smoking,” said Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA Center.<\/p>

“Research shows that current cigarette warnings have not changed since 1984 and are virtually invisible to both smokers and non-smokers, partly due to their small size, placement, and lack of images. Additionally, studies indicate that there remains a significant gap in public awareness of the dangers of smoking, and smokers have misconceptions about cigarettes and their negative health impacts.”<\/p>

Starting June 18, 2021, these new cigarette health warnings will be required to be prominently displayed on cigarette packaging and advertisements, occupying at least 50% of the front and back panel area of cigarette packaging and at least 20% of the top area of cigarette advertisements.<\/p>