US tobacco firms to sue over health warnings

Four tobacco companies are suing the United States Food and Drug Administration over a new law that would force them to place graphic health warnings on their cigarette packets.The lawsuit said the warnings would force cigarette makers to engage in anti-smoking advocacy on the governments behalf. They said this violates their free speech rights under the First Amendment, according to a complaint filed yesterday with the US District Court in Washington, DC.The new warnings will be required on cigarette packs from September 2012. A FDA spokeswoman declined to comment, citing an agency policy not to discuss pending litigation.The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act requires colour warnings covering the top half of the front and back panels of cigarette packages, and the top 20% of printed advertising.Dead bodies, diseased lungs and rotting teeth are among the images expected to appear, in the first change to US cigarette warnings in 25 years.The lawsuit is being taken by Reynolds American Incs RJ Reynolds unit, Lorillard Inc, Liggett Group LLC and Commonwealth Brands Inc, owned by Britains Imperial Tobacco Group Plc.The cigarette companies are the largest in the US other than Altria Group Inc, whose brands include Marlboro and which is not part of the case.