Tobacco Packaging: Tougher Regulations on Cigarettes Go Into Effect Soon

Effective June 22, 2010, the most popular selling cigarettes - light cigarettes - will be phased out as part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which was signed into law on June 22, 2009.

Under the new regulations, terms "light," "low-tar" and "mild" cigarettes will be prohibited. Although many people believe "light" and "low-tar" cigarettes to be less deadly than regular cigarettes, research has shown this is not the case.

Along with the prohibition of "light," "low," and "mild" on all brands of cigarettes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will enforce other new restrictions and requirements on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products that take effect as part of the Youth Access and Advertising regulation, including eliminating free samples of cigarettes and federal enforcement of state laws that prohibit tobacco sales to minors. Also taking effect on June 22 is a provision that requires larger, stronger warning labels on all smokeless tobacco packages and in all smokeless tobacco product advertisements.

SOURCE: American Lung Association

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