According to a report from MedPage Today on January 18th, in Washington, a group of anti-tobacco advocates held a "Mint Funeral" in Lafayette Park across from the White House on Thursday. They demanded that the Biden administration promptly release the final regulations banning the sale of mint-flavored cigarettes and other mint-flavored tobacco products.
The event was organized by the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC), and featured a large coffin decorated to resemble a cigarette pack in the parade procession.
The speakers at the event emphasized the role of menthol cigarettes in the lives of African American smokers, with 80% of African American smokers using menthol cigarettes. John Bowman, the Executive Vice President of the Anti-Smoking Campaign in the United States, stated that the delayed regulations have resulted in over 200,000 deaths since 2011.
The Biden administration has repeatedly delayed the final release date of regulations, but the latest update indicates that they will be published in March next year. A spokesperson from the FDA has expressed the agency's dedication to promptly releasing tobacco product standards concerning specific flavors in menthol cigarettes and cigars. The spokesperson explained that the regulations are now in the final stage and further discussions cannot be held before their release.
The discussion during the event also delved into the history of African Americans and tobacco, while refuting claims that banning menthol cigarettes is discriminatory against black people. Advocates argued that the regulation implementation would not have a negative impact on African Americans, and countered the viewpoint that lifting the ban would result in further harassment of black smokers. They emphasized that the focus is on saving lives and eliminating the harm the tobacco industry has inflicted on various ethnic groups.
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
