FDA Plans to Ban Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars, Draft Submitted to White House

   To protect public health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes and flavored cigars.

According to news from the U.S. website wttw, the FDA intends to prohibit the use of menthol in cigarettes and the addition of flavoring agents in cigars. Public health experts state that banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars could save hundreds of thousands of lives. 

It is reported that the FDA has completed a draft decision to ban menthol in cigarettes and flavored additives in cigars, which has been submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review, marking a decisive regulatory step. If the draft is approved, it will ultimately be reflected in regulations. 

The FDA has been researching the ban on menthol cigarettes for over a decade. In July 2013, the agency sought public input on the regulation of menthol cigarettes. In April of this year, the FDA announced a proposed product standard, believing it has the potential to "significantly reduce disease and death," decrease youth experimentation and addiction, and increase the number of quitters. Brian King, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, stated, "Completing these two product standards is a top priority for the FDA. The publication of these two rules on the Office of Management and Budget's website means they have reached the final stage of regulatory document review." 

The American Lung Association stated that this could be the most significant action taken by the agency since it was authorized to regulate tobacco 14 years ago. 

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids President and CEO Yolonda Richardson stated:

“Once implemented, they will protect children from tobacco addiction, promote health equity, and save hundreds of thousands of lives, especially among Black individuals.” 

A study in 2020 showed that while 43% of adult smokers smoke menthol cigarettes, over 83% of Black smokers choose menthol cigarettes. Only about 30% of white smokers opt for menthol cigarettes. 

The FDA has attempted to regulate other menthol products suitable for children. Just last week, the agency issued a marketing denial order to British American Tobacco for six flavors of the Vuse Alto e-cigarette, including menthol and three mixed berry flavors.

However, once the federal government establishes the final rules, tobacco companies are expected to file lawsuits, as they have done with nearly all other tobacco restrictions.

Swod said that from now until the government signs the ban, the tobacco industry may go all out to slow down or stop the ban.