NGOs have claimed that recent reports suggesting that one of the pictorial warnings for tobacco products resembles footballer John Terry could be an attempt by the manufacturers to scuttle the pictorial warnings once again.

In a recent RTI filed by the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), the issue was brought to the notice of Union health ministry earlier in November by Philip Morris, manufacturer of the leading cigarette brand Marlboro. "However, digging the issue once again now…

Japan Tobacco is to launch redesigned versions of seven of its popular Pianissimo brand of cigarettes in mid-January.

Pianissimo is the top-selling brand in Japan's 100mm slim menthol category and has proven particularly popular among female smokers for what Japan's largest tobacco company says is a "smooth, unassertive and refreshing menthol flavour and aroma."
 
Smoking rates are declining in Japan, although they remain higher for both men and women than in Europe and North America.
 
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KT&G Corp., Korea's largest tobacco producer, plans to release a new version of its popular Esse brand on Wednesday to cater to growing demand for premium, ultraslim cigarettes.

The Esse Sense, the latest in the 17-model lineup, is designed to give a refreshing taste with its space at the tip of the filter to screen out tar and nicotine, the company said Monday.

Since its 2002 launch, the Esse has rapidly penetrated markets overseas to become the world's top seller in the segment as…

Plans to introduce graphic photographs on tobacco products highlighting the dangers of smoking have been approved.

Minister for Health Dr James Reilly today signed regulations which will force tobacco firms to include such images on their products from February 1st 2013.

Packaging currently carries text warnings only, but the images to be included in future aim to provide a further deterrent to tobacco consumption.

"We should never lose sight of the health consequences of smoking which…