ISSUES

CONSUMER INFORMATION

We believe consumers are entitled to have relevant information about the tobacco products available to them, including information about product-related health risks, and the steps people can take to minimise them. For tobacco, we believe national governments should play a central role in determining and providing such information, while tobacco companies should assist governments by providing relevant information and reinforcing government messages through health warnings on all packs and advertising.

We believe national governments have an important responsibility to communicate accurate information to the public about tobacco-related issues.

As well as stressing the health risks associated with smoking, we believe these communications should:

• Emphasise that youth should not consume tobacco products;
• Remind tobacco retailers of their responsibility not to sell or otherwise distribute tobacco products to anyone other than an adult;
• Provide advice and encouragement on quitting;
• Encourage moderation among those adults who choose not to quit.

We also consider it essential for governments to draw attention to product attributes that are potentially related to health risks. Governments should make it clear to adult consumers choosing between brands, whether brands with lower tar and nicotine yields, for example, are associated with potentially reduced risks.

We think internationally recognised standards - such as those developed by ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) - should be used for consistent measurement of tar and nicotine yields. Where governments have an alternative view, we believe they should also express that view, and the scientific rationale, clearly.

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