Warning Label on Smokeless Tobacco Is Due

The Federal Trade Commission issued regulations Friday requiring specific health warnings on packages of snuff and chewing tobacco, starting early next year.

The warnings, similar to those required on cigarette packages, were developed in response to congressional action this year.

The rules cover all smokeless tobacco, a product that has drawn criticism in recent years. Popular with many athletes, chewing tobacco and snuff have been used increasingly by young people in the last few years.

The National Institutes of Health has warned that the use of these products, which are either chewed or held between the cheek and gum, pose serious health dangers, including mouth cancer.

Under the rules issued by the FTC, packages of these products will have to carry one of three specific warnings, alternated on a random basis. The warnings are:

--Warning: This product may cause mouth cancer.

--Warning: This product may cause gum disease and tooth loss.

--Warning: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.

The package warnings must be in a color that makes them conspicuous or in large type or bold letters to make them clearly visible on the package label. The warnings must be in a conspicuous and prominent place on the package, which commission officials said would be the top or sides.

Manufacturers of smokeless tobacco have 45 days to inform the commission of their plans for complying with the regulations, and the warnings must begin appearing by Feb. 27.