The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking action to protect American youth by banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The FDA submitted the final rule for regulatory review to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Friday. This rule aims to prohibit the use of menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and also includes a ban on flavored cigars.
The FDA has been advocating for this ban for some time now, with the goal of preventing youth initiation and reducing tobacco-related diseases and deaths. Menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars have become popular among young people due to their minty taste and aroma, which helps reduce the harshness of smoking. However, menthol can also enhance the addictive effects of nicotine, making it harder for people to quit smoking.
According to the FDA, there were 18.5 million menthol cigarette smokers aged 12 and above in the United States in 2018, with particularly high rates of use among youth, young adults, and certain racial and ethnic groups.
If menthol cigarettes were no longer available, studies suggest there would be a 15 percent reduction in smoking within four decades, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
The FDA hopes that implementing this rule will reduce the appeal of cigarettes among young people and prevent nonusers who experiment with menthol cigarettes from becoming regular smokers.
The OMB review is the final step before the rule is finalized.
Harm to Youngsters
In an Oct. 16 statement, the American Lung Association (ALA) called the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars the most significant actions in the agency’s history.
The American Lung Association urges the White House to finalize these rules before the end of the year, emphasizing that ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will save lives.
A display of packs of menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products at a store in San Francisco, Calif., on May 17, 2018. (Jeff Chiu/AP)
“One study estimates almost one million smokers would quit smoking within 17 months of the end of the sale of menthol cigarettes, including almost a quarter of a million black individuals living in America. After Canada stopped selling menthol cigarettes in 2017, the country saw an increase in quit attempts and cessation among people who smoked menthol cigarettes.”
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids also supports the FDA’s proposal, urging the OMB and the White House to expedite the review process and issue final regulations by the end of the year. They highlight the lifesaving benefits of these rules.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and the availability of cheap, flavored cigars in kid-friendly flavors has contributed to their popularity among young people.
“These flavored products have flooded the market in recent years and fueled the popularity of cigars with kids.” According to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey, cigars are the second most popular tobacco product among American high school students.
Crackdown on E-Cigarettes
However, there are some who oppose the ban. The Tax Foundation warned that the federal menthol ban could result in losses for local governments due to high taxation and the market share of flavored cigarettes.
Disposable vaping e-cigarette products are displayed in a convenience store in El Segundo, California, on June 23, 2022. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Excise taxes make up 40 percent of the retail price of tobacco products on average in the United States, and flavored cigarettes account for a significant portion of the market.
In addition to the ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, the FDA is also cracking down on flavored e-cigarettes. The agency recently denied the marketing of six flavored e-cigarette products, including three menthol-flavored ones, due to the risks they pose to youth.
The FDA’s efforts to protect young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine continue as they work towards finalizing these important regulations.
Why do public health advocates support a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars
Ong smokers,” said Erika Sward, national assistant vice president for advocacy at the American Lung Association.
The ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is not only aimed at protecting young people but also addressing health disparities. Studies have shown that menthol cigarettes are disproportionately used by certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans. The FDA’s proposed ban seeks to address these health inequalities and promote equitable access to public health.
Opponents of the ban argue that it infringes upon individual freedom and personal choices. They believe that adults should be able to make their own decisions about smoking and that a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is too restrictive. However, it is important to consider the significant public health implications of these products, especially on young people who are more susceptible to the addictive effects of nicotine.
Support from Public Health Advocates
Public health advocates and organizations have long supported a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. They argue that these products are specifically designed to target young people and create a new generation of smokers. The appealing flavors and enticing packaging of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars make them particularly attractive to adolescents, increasing the likelihood of addiction and long-term health consequences.
Furthermore, menthol cigarettes have been found to be more difficult to quit compared to non-menthol cigarettes. The cooling sensation of menthol can mask the harshness of smoking, making it easier for individuals to continue the habit. By banning menthol as a characterizing flavor, the FDA hopes to reduce the appeal and addictive properties of cigarettes.
It is worth noting that the ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars does not extend to all tobacco products. The FDA’s rule specifically targets characterizing flavors, such as menthol, that contribute to the appeal and addictiveness of cigarettes and cigars. Other tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, are not included in this ban.
The FDA’s proposed ban is an important step towards protecting the health of young people and reducing the prevalence of smoking-related diseases. By prohibiting the use of menthol as a characterizing flavor, the FDA aims to discourage youth initiation and support tobacco cessation efforts. However, it remains to be seen whether the ban will be implemented and how it will be enforced.
As the regulatory review process continues, it is crucial for public health advocates and organizations to voice their support for the ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. By working together, we can protect the well-being of American youth and create a healthier, smoke-free future for all.
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