Additives may be displayed on cigarette packs

Cigarette manufacturers in Europe may be forced to display a list of their products' top 10 additives on the side of their packets. Giving evidence to the House of Commons health select committee last week, the health secretary, Alan Milburn, said that consumers had a right to know exactly what they were smoking.

"When I go into a supermarket to buy some food, I see what's in it and then make a choice on whether or not to buy it," said Mr Milburn. "Smokers should have the same rights." Mr Milburn said that a Europe-wide directive to force tobacco companies to disclose the names of over 600 additives in cigarettes would be drafted by May this year. The list of additives would first be published on the Department of Health's website and then on the sides of cigarette packets.

"If I have the legal powers to do this then it is absolutely appropriate as secretary of state that I make the information on additives available to the public," said Mr Milburn. Currently the tobacco industry provides the Department of Health with a list of all the additives used in cigarettes, but without a breakdown by brand. Mr Milburn said that the companies had a chance to make good for past deeds: "They have got a chance to do the decent thing by disclosing the brand names and I believe they have an obligation to do so."

The presidency of the European Commission is currently held by Portugal, which is pressing hard to bring in the new legislation. The directive will also lead to bigger health warnings on packets and a ban on the use of terms such as "low tar" and "mild tar," which are thought to be confusing for smokers.

The directive will also reduce the maximum levels allowed for tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide in cigarettes. There are also plans to introduce an independent scientific body in Europe to monitor issues related to tobacco companies.

Muhunthan Thillai, London


studentBMJ 2000;08:45-88 March ISSN 0966-6494