Tobacco Companies Sue FDA Over Labeling Requirements

On Tuesday, five U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including four of the largest in the nation, filed a lawsuit against FDA arguing that the agency's new cigarette package warning labels violate free-speech rights. The five companies also said the labels will force them to "engage in anti-smoking advocacy" for the government. The new warning labels are required to be placed on the top half of tobacco packaging and constitute 20% of advertisements no later than fall 2012. The new guidelines comply with a 2009 law mandating larger and more visible graphic health warnings to educate the public about the health risks associated with smoking.

• "Tobacco Companies Sue the Federal Government Over Graphic Warning Labels, Say They're Unfair" (AP/Washington Post, 8/17).
• "Cigarette Makers Sue FDA Over New Labeling Rules" (Stempel, Reuters, 8/17).