Study finds plain cigarette pack fears 'unfounded'

Conclusion The study found no evidence the introduction of standardised packaging had changed the proportion of people purchasing from small mixed-business retailers, purchasing cheap brands imported from Asia, or using illicit tobacco in Victoria, Australia. However, this survey was only conducted in Victoria and only among English-speaking residents, so further studies are required to confirm the generalisability of the findings. As with all surveys, there is the possibility of respondent error and misreporting. Further studies are required to investigate whether the introduction of standardised packaging has increased the use of counterfeit branded tobacco products, as this was not assessed. Overall, the results of this study suggest there is no evidence behind many of the "fears" proposed by opponents of standardised packaging. Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines 'Plain' packaging not a boost to illegal tobacco use, study suggests. BBC News, August 29 2014 Australia shows that plain tobacco packaging significantly cuts smoking. The Independent, August 29 2014 Cigarette plain packaging fear campaign unfounded, Victoria study finds. The Guardian, August 29 2014 Plain Cigarette Packs Do Not Hurt Retailers. Sky News, August 29 2014 Links To Science Scollo M, Zacher M, Durkin S, Wakefield M. Early evidence about the predicted unintended consequences of standardi...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Heart/lungs Medical practice Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news