Giant cig packet health warnings on way

Euro MPs were today giving final approval to tough new anti-smoking laws, including massive health warnings on cigarette packets and the optional use of shock pictures such as rotting teeth and gums and scarred lungs.

By the end of September 2002, written health warnings will cover more than one third of every cigarette pack, with guidelines from the European Commission by the end of 2002 on graphic pictures designed to scare smokers out of the habit.