Canada has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first country to print anti-smoking warnings directly on cigarette packs. The warning sign in both English and French contain slogans like “poison in every puff” and “cigarettes cause cancer.”
These new regulations were put into effect on Tuesday, and starting next year, cigarette packs will begin displaying these powerful messages to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking.
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Starting in July next year, all manufacturers must have warnings on all king-size cigarettes they sell. By April 2025, the signs will also be mandatory for all regular-size cigarettes.
Canada’s health ministry praised the move earlier: “We are taking action by being the first country in the world to label individual cigarettes with health warning messages. This bold step will make health warning messages virtually unavoidable, and together with updated graphic images displayed on the package, it will provide a real and startling reminder of the health consequences of smoking.”
In 2026, an additional set of six phrases will be printed on cigarettes.
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Health campaigners have approved this move, emphasizing that children are often given individual cigarettes, bypassing current health warnings on packets.
Canada has mandated the inclusion of warning labels on cigarette packages since 1989.
In 2000, the country also implemented picture warning requirements for tobacco product packages.
Specific organizations funded by tobacco companies have resisted the move towards stronger messaging and unbranded packaging. They argue that plain packaging regulations have led to an increase in contraband tobacco.
Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern in Canada and is the country’s leading preventable cause of disease and premature death.
The government has set a target to reduce smoking rates among the 15-plus population to less than five percent by 2035, compared to the 13 percent recorded in 2020.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn