New Graphic Warning Labels To Cover Half of Cigarette Packs

Smokers are going to need a strong stomach if they want to continue their habit.

That’s because starting in September of 2012 new FDA requirements will mandate that half of the area on every pack of cigarettes be covered by a graphic anti-smoking warning label.

There will be nine different warning labels in all, each featuring a vivid photo depicting various smoking related aliments and death.  The labels will also carry classic anti-smoking messages such as “Tobacco smoke can harm your children” and “Cigarettes cause fatal lung disease.”

Cigarettes ads will also have to feature a graphic warning image, when the new requirements kick in.

Tobacco giants R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris have raised objections to the requirements, condending that the size of the warning labels violate the their constitutional right to free speech.

[CNN]