News and Events

FDA Releases Final Selection of New Cigarette Warning Labels
June 21, 2011

FDA Masthead

 

On June 21, 2011, the FDA announced the nine cigarette health warnings required to appear on every pack of cigarettes sold in the United States and in every cigarette advertisement. This bold measure is aimed at making sure that every American understands the dangers of smoking.

The warnings represent the most significant changes to cigarette labels in more than 25 years and will affect everything from packaging to advertisements. Manufacturers are required to place them on all cigarette packs, cartons and ads by no later than September 2012.

Warning Labels

 

Each warning is accompanied by the phone number 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a smoking cessation resource, so it will be seen at the time it is most relevant to smokers, increasing the likelihood that smokers who want to quit will be successful. Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States, responsible for 443,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It costs our economy nearly $200 billion every year in medical care and lost productivity.

The introduction of these warnings is expected to have a significant public health impact by decreasing the number of smokers - resulting in lives saved, increased life expectancy and improved health status.

In addition, please join Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health at HHS, and Dr. Lawrence Deyton, Director, Center for Tobacco Products at FDA, in a public health stakeholder teleconference to discuss the final rule on cigarette health warnings. 


Tuesday, June, 21 from 3:30 – 4:00 EST

Conference number: 888-603-8938 (Domestic), Passcode FDA HHS 
Conference number:  415-228-4966 (International), Passcode: FDA HHS 

We hope you will be able to join FDA for this teleconference.