Canada has become the first country in the world to print anti-smoking warnings directly onto cigarettes.
The warnings in both English and French include slogans such as “poison in every puff” and “cigarettes cause cancer.”
Under the new regulations which came into effect on Tuesday, the messages will start appearing from next year.
By July next year, all manufacturers will have to ensure the warnings are on all king-size cigarettes sold.
By April 2025 all regular-size cigarettes will also be required to include the warnings.
Earlier hailing the move, Canada’s health ministry said: “We are taking action by being the first country in the world to label individual cigarettes with health warning messages.
“This bold step will make health warning messages virtually unavoidable, and together with updated graphic images displayed on the package, will provide a real and startling reminder of the health consequences of smoking.”
A second set of six phrases is expected to be printed on cigarettes in 2026.
Health campaigners have welcomed the move, saying that children are more likely to be given individual cigarettes, avoiding current health warnings on packets.
Canada has required the printing of warning labels on cigarette packages since 1989.
In 2000 the country also adopted picture warning requirements for tobacco product packages.
Some organisations funded by tobacco companies have opposed the push toward stronger messaging and unbranded packaging, claiming that plain packaging regulations have promoted contraband tobacco.
Tobacco use continues to be one of Canada’s most significant public health problems and remains the country’s leading preventable cause of disease and premature death.
The government aims to bring down smoking rates to less than five per cent of the 15-plus population by 2035 versus 13 per cent as of 2020.
