Controversy billows as the FDA releases new, graphic warnings that will be required on all cigarette packages.

Beginning in September of next year, all packages will be required to have vivid, grotesque images of the impacts that smoking can have on one’s health.

The FDA states on their website that the vulgar images are designed to “increase awareness of the specific health risks associated with smoking, such as death, addiction, lung disease, cancer, stroke and heart disease; encourage smokers to quit; and empower youth to say no to tobacco.”

Those who oppose the changes say it will negatively impact the industry, and over-steps the bounds of tobacco companies.

Some argue that if the FDA is going to give such warnings on this, then they should also give warnings on high-calorie foods, or other health-threatening items.

What do you think about the images? Leave us your comments.