FDA Receives More Than 110,000 Objections to Menthol Ban
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received more than 110,000 comments on its proposed rule to end menthol cigarette sales, as well as nearly 60,000 comments on its proposed ban on flavored cigars. Many respondents opposed the ban, including busine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received over 110,000 requests regarding the proposed rule to end the sale of menthol cigarettes, as well as nearly 60,000 requests concerning the proposed rule to ban flavored cigars.<\/span><\/div>
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Many people have written in opposition to the ban, including business owners who claim it would force them to lay off employees.<\/span>
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“If implemented, this proposal could hurt retailers and wholesalers in the U.S. and directly impact my bottom line,” wrote a tobacco retailer from Florida. “This ban targets a significant portion of my income; menthol cigarettes alone account for 36% of all cigarette sales in the U.S. Additionally, adult customers who purchase menthol cigarettes also buy gasoline, food, and other items my store relies on.”<\/span><\/div>
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Thousands of letters submitted online come from menthol cigarette smokers who believe the proposed restrictions are an unfair attack on personal freedom.<\/span><\/div>
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One respondent wrote: “This regulation goes far beyond what the government should have power over the American people.” “We have age restrictions for a reason, and once you reach that age, you should be able to choose to use any legal product you want.”<\/span><\/div>
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Others support the proposal, stating that removing menthol and other flavors will improve health and help correct racial injustices.<\/span><\/div>
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“Banning menthol in cigarettes is a necessary step toward health equity and health promotion,” wrote Kaelor Gordon. “This substance unjustly and unfortunately places the burden of tobacco use and death at a higher and disproportionate rate on Black individuals and communities of color, so banning menthol aligns with the anti-racism and health equity culture we are strongly cultivating today.”<\/span><\/div>
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The FDA recently extended the comment period from July 5 to August 2, 2022.<\/span><\/div>
