FDA Plans to Ban Mint Flavored Cigarettes and Fruit-Flavored Cigars

According to the US news website WTWW, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States plans to ban the use of mint flavor in cigarettes and prohibit the addition of fruity flavoring in cigars. Public health experts argue that the prohibition of mint-flavored cigarettes and fruit-flavored cigars could potentially save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

According to reports, the FDA has finalized a decision to ban the use of mint flavors in cigarettes and the addition of fruity flavors in cigars. This decision has been submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review, marking a significant regulatory step. If the decision is approved, it will ultimately be reflected in the regulations.

The FDA has been studying the ban on menthol cigarettes for over a decade. In July 2013, the agency solicited public opinions on regulating menthol cigarettes. In April of this year, the FDA announced a proposed product standard, stating that it has the potential to "significantly reduce disease and death," "reduce youth initiation and addiction," and increase the number of smokers who quit. Brian King, Director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, wrote, "Completing these two product standards is a top priority for the FDA. Both of these rules have been published on the Office of Management and Budget's website, indicating they have reached the final stage of regulatory review.

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

Yolonda Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smoke-Free Kids, expressed:

Once implemented, they will protect children from tobacco addiction, promote health equity, and save hundreds of thousands of lives, particularly those of the Black community.

According to a study conducted in 2020, while 43% of adult smokers opt for menthol cigarettes, over 83% of African American smokers choose menthol cigarettes. Only approximately 30% of white smokers prefer menthol cigarettes.

The FDA has made attempts to regulate other mint-flavored products aimed at children. Just last week, the company issued a Marketing Denial Order (MDO) to British American Tobacco's Vuse Alto e-cigarette, which includes six flavors, including mint and three mixed berry flavors.

Once the federal government establishes the final regulations, tobacco companies are expected to file lawsuits, much like they have done with nearly all other tobacco restriction measures.

Sward stated that the tobacco industry may go all out to mitigate or halt the ban until the government signs it.