OCU considered insufficient progress in the European regulation on packets of tobacco

The European directive on snuff that standardizes the size and content of health warnings on cigarette packets of snuff is mandatory starting today, May 20. Specifically, the new law establishes the requirement that health warnings images include information on the effects of snuff and covering 65% of the front and rear face of the package, as well as 50% of the lateral faces. A directive which, although still not been transposed in its entirety to Spanish law. Tobacco companies plus a comfortable transitional period to allow them to be available while supplies last.

OCU welcomes the progress of this new legislation, albeit at a slower than desirable, protection of citizens and their health rhythm. Unfortunately in our country snuff causes thousands of deaths each year, and that despite the legislative improvements. Recently it has been known that in 2012 these deaths reached a record high (more than 60,000) and this even though the number of smokers decreases gradually due, among other factors, to a better understanding of the effects of snuff among the population and legislative improvements to ensure smoke-free spaces. In the case of snuff, however, death comes many years after consumption has started.

OCU believes that the pace of progress is insufficient legislative changes. That is why we demand new actions by the Spanish Government, as the full implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the World Health Organization, already signed by our country, which reflects the need for regular campaigns in the media communication to warn of the risks of snuff and promoting generic packaging, a measure that has a proven when less attractive to the consumption of snuff, especially among young people, effect and the tobacco industry strongly opposes . The generic packaging goes beyond what European directive requires, but is perfectly compatible with it. France, Ireland and the United Kingdom, in fact, have already approved its introduction, an example that Spain should follow.