Various tobacco packs were purchased from a total of 48 tobacco vendors, and compliance with new packaging and labelling provisions was assessed. The results indicated that all packs complied with all health warning provisions, such as size and location on the pack. However, none of the packs complied with the descriptive constituents and emissions statement required on the lateral side.
Do graphic health warnings work?
A recent study published on Jama found that graphic warning labels (GWL) on cigarette packs were associated with a decrease in positive perceptions of cigarettes. Titled, “Effect of Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarette Packs on US Smokers’ Cognitions and Smoking Behavior After 3 Months,” the study consisted of a randomized clinical trial of the effect of a 3-month, real-world experience of cigarettes with GWL packaging.
The participants consisted of daily smokers from San Diego, California, aged 21 to 65 years, who were not ready to quit. The research team found that GWL decreased the positive perceptions of cigarettes without clearly increasing health concerns. Moreover, the seemed to increase quitting cognitions without affecting cigarette cessation or consumption levels.
“Placing graphic warning labels on US cigarette packs did not have an effect on smoking behavior; however, these findings suggest that they may enhance other tobacco control strategies to reduce cigarette smoking,” read the study Abstract.
