Jump to full article: Voxy (nz), 2009-09-28
Intro: The regulations on health warning images on cigarette packets are not being appropriately followed by tobacco companies. That's the conclusion of latest research from the University of Otago which involved a study of cigarette pack warnings after these became mandatory in August 2008.
The law requires that tobacco companies distribute evenly the different graphic health warnings over all cigarette packs. This is to ensure smokers are informed of the risks, to stimulate quitting, and to discourage young people from smoking.
However, the research on purchased cigarette packs and over 1200 discarded cigarette packs shows that the regulations are not being appropriately followed. The most offensive health warning graphics appear to be printed on packs less frequently than less disturbing images. .
"The results suggest that tobacco companies are trying to reduce the impact of graphic health warnings by limiting the number of the most disturbing images," says one of the authors and University of Otago Professor of Marketing, Janet Hoek.
"This is of concern as it undercuts the law and public health policy, which aims to reduce the serious health impact of smoking and, in particular, the 5000 deaths a year in New Zealand that are directly attributable to smoking."
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