EU: The European Commission is to compile a grisly photographic database of rotten lungs and dying cancer patients. The pictures will be printed on cigarette packets along with traditional health warnings.
From next month, cigarette packets throughout the EU must carry health warnings printed in black on a white background covering 30 per cent of the front surface and 40 per cent of the back.
From the middle of next year, member-states can add pictures from the commission's database to dissuade citizens from smoking. No member-state will be obliged to use photographic warnings on cigarette packs, but they will not be allowed to ban imports of cigarettes bearing commission-approved pictures.
The EU Health Commissioner, Mr David Byrne, said experience in Canada and Brazil showed that shocking images were effective in reducing smoking.
"We have to find new and innovative ways to illustrate the shocking truth that half of all smokers will be killed by their habit."