Graphic Labels Coming To Cigarette Packages
By Bruce Hagevik, NewsRadio 830 WCCO
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Within a couple of years we'll likely see graphic images on cigarette packages. Images of corpses, cancer patients and diseased lungs are among the items being considered. The Food and Drug Administration will gather input before final decisions are made.
"Certainly stronger warning labels we've seen from other countries that have this do have an effect," said Mike Sheldon of the anti-smoking group, ClearWay Minnesota.
Sheldon said an estimated 17 percent of Minnesota adults continue to smoke. He hopes the new graphic images will help some of those smokers quit and stop young people from starting.
"We ignore the tobacco industry at our own risk," he said.
Major tobacco companies are reviewing the plan and have filed lawsuits claiming large graphics would make it difficult to see the brand names of cigarettes.
NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Bruce Hagevik Reports
