Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) v. Souza Cruz S/A

Souza Cruz, a tobacco company, brought action against the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for shutting down smoking points in the International Airport of Rio de Janeiro-Galeão. ANVISA had the authority to shut down "smoking points" that were not in compliance with tobacco control laws. Souza Cruz argued that there was no illegality in the designated smoking areas and that the areas were in full compliance with the law. Souza Cruz was granted temporary legal protection and allowed to reopen these areas until the lower court issued its final decision. The lower court ruled in favor of ANVISA and the smoking areas were again shut down. Souza Cruz filed an appeal with the appeals court, claiming that it had fully complied with the law and that the tests performed proved that no smoke escaped from the smoking areas. ANVISA argued that the tests were to be performed by authorized federal personal, in accordance with tobacco control law. The Public Prosecutor's Office intervened in favor of ANVISA. The appeals court ruled in favor of Souza Cruz, who was allowed to re-open the smoking areas. ANVISA filed a special appeal to the Superior Court of Justice. Finding that Souza Cruz was in violation of the law, the Court ruled in favor of ANVISA, annulling the decision of the decision of the higher court.

Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitria v. Souza Cruz, No. 829.456 - RJ, Superior Tribunal de Justica - STJ [Superior Court of Justice] (2007).

  • Brazil
  • Mar 20, 2007
  • Superior Court of Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justica)
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Parties

Plaintiff Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA)

Defendant Souza Cruz S A

Third Party

  • Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público)

Legislation Cited

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

None

"The circumstance that the images are shocking, strong, repulsive, and aversion-provoking, in effect, represents the strict compliance with the existing constitutional and legal commands on the subject. There is an indication of the conducting of dense works, studies and researches around the greater efficiency of the images and words provided for in Resolution No. 54/08, as stated in the petition to file the interlocutory appeal, bringing together INCA, ANVISA itself, UFF, UFRJ and PUC-RJ in a multidisciplinary group that since 2006 has been dedicated to the analysis of the theme. The need to update the images and warnings, obviously, stems from the existing time of dissemination of those contained in Resolution No. 335/03 and, during the period, surveys were conducted regarding the impacts caused in terms of reducing tobacco consumption. At first, metaphorical images are used to inform the recipient of the warning about the magnitude of the risks inherent in the consumption of tobacco products. Impact images prove to be essential especially to convey a clear and direct message, including and especially to the general population, and not to an expert in Medicine."