FDA Moves to Ban Menthol Cigarettes and All Flavored Cigars

By Joe Elia

Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS

The FDA has embarked on a process to ban menthol cigarettes and all flavored cigars.

In a statement released Thursday, the acting FDA commissioner, Dr. Janet Woodcock, says the action will "increase the chances of smoking cessation ... and address health disparities experienced by communities of color, low-income populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals, all of whom are far more likely to use these tobacco products."

The agency estimates there are more than 18 million current smokers of menthol cigarettes and says more than 85% of Black smokers use them. The FDA cites a study suggesting that in the first 18 months of the ban, over 900,000 smokers would quit. The study notes that 22% of menthol cigarette smokers quit smoking entirely after a ban in Canada, although nearly 60% overall switched to regular cigarettes.

The American Medical Association, American Heart Association, and the American Thoracic Society offered statements in strong support of the FDA's action.