The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today released nine new graphic health warning labels that must to be placed on cigarette packs by autumn 2012.

The announcement follows reviews of scientific literature, public comments and results from an FDA-contracted study of 36 labels proposed last November.
The labels will take up the top half – both front and back – of a pack of cigarette packs and include a national quit-smoking hotline number. Among the images to appear on cigarette packs are rotting and diseased teeth and gums, and a man with a tracheotomy who is smoking.
Warning labels also must appear in advertisements and constitute 20 per cent of an ad.
Cigarette makers have until autumn of 2012 to comply. (pi)