The government on Tuesday appealed a federal injunction issued earlier in November that blocks introduction of graphic labels on cigarette packs, according to court documents.

US District Court Judge Richard Leon in a preliminary injunction issued 7 Nov barred the Food and Drug Administration from introducing nine graphics until a final court ruling. The FDA mandate is planned for September, 2012, and marks what the government agency calls the most significant changes in cigarette warnings in 25 years.
Judge Leon’s injunction was issued in response to a suit challenging the FDA regulation filed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Lorillard, Commonwealth Brands, which is owned by Imperial Tobacco, Ligget Group and the Reynolds American subsidiary, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco.
The appeal will be heard by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. (ci)