FDA to require graphic images on cigarette packages starting in September 2012

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Images of dead bodies, cancerous lungs and rotting teeth and gums are images people might expect to see in nightmares — not on the side of cigarette packages.

But beginning in September 2012, the Food and Drug Administration will require cigarette companies to put the graphic images on cigarette package labels to serve as a warning to users.

“I was taken aback by the picture of the dead body when I saw the pictures on the news,” said CMU alumna Casey Canon, a smoker. “I guess it doesn’t hurt, why not try it?”

The FDA said it will require tobacco companies to cover the top half of cigarette boxes with a graphic image, and 20 percent of cigarette ads will have to feature the pictures as well.

Tobacco companies will also be required to print the 1-800-QUIT-NOW phone number on cigarette packages.

“In my opinion, you’re going to smoke no matter what,” Canon said. “But I guess it could help with younger smokers. Adults already know about the effects of smoking but it gives a younger kid a real idea.”

This is the third major mandatory change for cigarette warnings within the last 50 years.

1965 was the first change, when the surgeon general’s warning appeared, and the second change appeared in 1984, when more health hazard warnings were required on packages.

“I think this will definitely hurt the tobacco industry,” said Lansing resident Allen Moore, a non-smoker. “But I also think it’s hypocritical. If they’re that dangerous and they claim millions of people’s lives why are they still being sold?”

Allen said he still thinks the warnings are a good thing, even if they are over the top.

The tobacco industry will challenge the new laws in federal appeals courts next month after a lower court upheld the FDA regulations.

Canon said while the images might frighten some people, they would not stop her from smoking.

“I don’t smoke on a pack-a-day basis, but when I do smoke I will probably just avoid looking at the pictures like anyone else,” she said.

Once the images are printed on the packs, it may be harder for smokers to recognize the brands they like to smoke, said Julie Bontrager, an employee of the Smokers Club, 100 S. Mission St.

It will have some impact on the tobacco industry, but there will still be a lot of people who ignore the images and keep smoking, she said.

“I’ve been smoking since I was ten, ” Bontrager said. “I’m going to try quitting for the fourth time but not because of things like the pictures.”