Tobacco packs to feature graphic warning pictures

The images replace the written warnings that have motivated more than 90,000 smoker to call the NHS Smoking Helpline since they were introduced in January 2003.

A Department of Health (DoH) spokesman said that although printing would begin this week it would take some time for all packs to carry the images as firms use up existing stocks.

Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer, welcomed the introduction of picture warnings on tobacco packaging.

“Written health warnings have encouraged many smokers to stop. These new stark picture warnings emphasise the harsh realities of continuing to smoke.

“I hope they will make many more people about giving up and get the help they need to stop smoking for good,” he said.

British American Tobacco said that how fast the new packs would reach shelves would depend entirely on how much stock retail outlets had.

A spokeswoman said: “We believe that consumers need to be informed about the the effects of smoking, whether that is by texts or graphics. It should be done in the most effective way to get the message accross.”

Similar images have already been adopted in other countries, including Brazil, Canada, India, Venezuela and Thailand, but the DoH said the UK was the first EU country to do so.

Popular Articles