Cigarette makers sue FDA over new warning labels

Five tobacco companies have sued the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a new law that would force them to place graphic health warnings on their cigarette packets.



The firms argue the plan violates their constitutional right to free speech, as it requires firms to promote the government's anti-smoking message.



The FDA has not commented on the lawsuit.



The new warnings will be required on cigarette packs from September 2012.



In their 41-page complaint, the five companies say the new labels would illegally force them to make consumers depressed, discouraged and afraid to buy their products.



Tobacco use is estimated to be responsible for 443,000 deaths in the US each year.