Canada looks into plain packaging
No eye candy
Canada’s Public Health Agency has posted a public tender for a “cost-benefit analysis of the plain packaging of tobacco products,” reports CBC News
“The Government of Canada has committed to introducing plain packaging requirements for tobacco products, similar to those in Australia and the United Kingdom,” the request states.
“Such measures could consider prohibiting elements such as brand colors, logos, and graphics on tobacco packages.”
The government is looking for an assessment of costs to industry, as well as government expenses such as enforcement.
The request also seeks to find evidence “that exposure to standardized packaging is linked to a decline in smoking risks, and is particularly effective in reducing the appeal of tobacco products among youth smokers.”
Plain packaging legislation was first introduced in Australia in 2012, a move applauded by the World Health Organization.
The United Kingdom voted in favor of adopting similar legislation, which will go into effect in May. Ireland and France will also be introducing plain packaging policies this year.