R.J. Reynolds Challenges New Graphic Warnings Cigarette Rule (1)

A new U.S. government requirement that cigarette packs and advertisements sport large, graphic warnings is uncostitutional, R.J. Reynolds and other tobacco companies say in a complaint filed Friday in federal court in Texas.

The warnings specified in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s rule, composed of text accompanied by images “designed to frighten, shock, and disgust” consumers, violates the companies’ freedom of speech under the First Amendment, the companies say.

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., ITG Brands LLC, Liggett Group LLC, and others are also participating in the challenge.

The rule, issued March 18, is the FDA’s second attempt at ...