FDA Moves to Ban Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars in Groundbreaking Decision
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a significant step towards banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, proposing a rule that could save hundreds of thousands of lives. Menthol flavoring in cigarettes has been found to make them more addictive, and tobacco companies have targeted minority communities with menthol marketing, leading to health disparities. A ban on menthol cigarettes could close the gap in lung cancer deaths within five years and save up to 654,000 lives in the US within 40 years. Flavored cigars and cigarillos are also popular among children, and eliminating flavors could increase the likelihood of users quitting. The FDA's proposed rule is now under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget.