South Korea’s Government has decided to require the inclusion of graphic health warnings on heat-not-burn (HNB) product packaging, according to a story in The Korea Times.
 

The Health and Welfare Ministry published their proposed graphic warnings for HNB product packs from May 14 to June 4 to gauge public opinion.
 

In response, cigarette manufacturers, distributors and smoking groups submitted eight dissenting opinions against the government’s decision. They asked the government to use ‘less provocative graphics’ and to take out numbers linked to mortality risk and disease.
 

However, health operatives and civic groups submitted 143 opinions of agreement supporting the government, with some asking that the warnings be enlarged.
 

The Ministry says it has now selected graphic warning labels and messages that will have to be printed on the packs.
 

It said the warnings would include an image of a cancer cell accompanied by a message saying ‘heat-not-burn e-cigarettes addict you to nicotine and expose you to carcinogens’.
 

“According to the latest study by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, various cancer-causing agents like benzopyrene and benzene were detected in HNB cigarettes,” a Ministry official said.
 

“The Ministry has concluded that the HNB cigarette companies’ argument that their products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes lacks evidence.”  Enditem
 


JTI Removes Tobacco Gantry From High Wycombe Store 
Talking Retail
 

JTI has removed its tobacco gantry from N&N News in Desborough Road, High Wycombe, after securing a prosecution against the store’s owner for selling counterfeit tobacco products.
 

The store’s owner, Chandrasegaram Mughaya, was given a suspended jail sentence and ordered to pay £1,650 in costs.
 

This is the second time that JTI has removed a gantry from a retailer in the town for illegal tobacco sales – in December 2016 the company acted against Micklefield Superstore in Gayhurst Road.
 

Charlie Cunningham-Reid, UK head of corporate affairs, said: “Once again JTI has demonstrated its commitment to take action against retailers found to be selling illegal tobacco. Our action, 
 

supporting those of law enforcement agencies, serves as a warning to any retailer tempted to sell illegal tobacco products.
 

“JTI calls on other category partners in the distribution chain to join us by withdrawing their support from any retailer who sells illegal tobacco.”


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