Retailers in Canada must sell only cigarette and little cigar packages that display new, larger health warning messages, according to a new policy that took effect June 19.
The graphic warnings cover three-quarters of the front and back of the main panel package and include a Canada-wide quit line phone number and Web address.
Canadian retailers started selling the new packages back in March, but businesses had until June 19 to make the transition and scrap old inventory. Previously, all tobacco products carried warning labels covering 50% of the package.
In 2010, the smoking rate among Canadians age 15 and older was 17%, an all-time low, according to Health Canada.
