Netherlands: KWF Wants Uniform Cigarette Packs

Source from:  NL Times  12/03/2013

The KWF foundation against cancer wants cigarette packs in the Netherlands to all have the same brown-green color. Packets should no longer carry brand symbols, but large health warnings instead, according to KWF.The foundation pleads with the government to follow Australia’s example, where the so-called 'plain packaging ' was introduced a year ago.

KWF commissioned a study into the current cigarette packets. The results show that children associate the brightly colored packets with health, vacation, and their favorite colors. Every day an average of 200 children take up smoking. The organization urges the government to protect the youth, stated director Michel Rudolphie.

The Ministry of Health in Ireland will require the same cigarette-packaging next year. The KWF expects the UK to follow shortly thereafter.

Whether  the Australian measure has led to fewer young people smoking in the past year is not known. The results are expected in another year. Enditem