US cigarette makers sue over graphic warning labels

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

17 August 2011 Last updated at 01:31 GMT

US cigarette makers sue over graphic warning labels

Five tobacco companies have sued the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a new law that would force them to place graphic health warnings on their cigarette packets.

The firms argue the plan violates their constitutional right to free speech, as it requires firms to promote the government's anti-smoking message.

The FDA has not commented on the lawsuit.

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RJ Reynolds Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, Commonwealth Brands, Liggett Group and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco said they filed their suit against the FDA late on Tuesday in an effort to delay enforcement of the new law.

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Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14553228