April 28, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACT: Josh Brown, (202) 503-9671
josh@brownstrategy.com

PRESS RELEASE: FDA Publishes Rules to Ban Menthol Flavored Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars
The move is a major win for Black health equity 

WASHINGTON, DC - The FDA today advanced a proposed rule to end the sale of menthol flavored cigarettes and flavored cigars in an effort to advance Black health equity and prevent more kids from getting hooked on tobacco products. The rule is not expected to go into place for at least two years.

For decades, Big Tobacco has used menthol flavored tobacco products and flavored cigars to target African Americans. 85% of all African American smokers smoke menthol cigarettes compared to 29% of White smokers. Menthol cigarettes increase addiction and make it harder to quit.

The Biden Administration’s actions come on the heels of the District of Columbia and other cities, counties, and states across the country advancing their own laws ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. Through collective action on the federal, state, and local levels, we will make significant progress in the effort to protect our kids and advance health equity. 

“Last year, my office called for a ban on flavored menthol tobacco products because we knew the dire impacts of these products on kids,” said DC Attorney General Karl Racine. “Today’s action from the FDA will change that and significantly improve public health and safety across the country. It is a major step forward to help reverse the impact of such predatory campaigns, eliminate health disparities among vulnerable populations, and support racial justice.”

“Flavored tobacco is just the latest way the industry has hooked a new generation, without any concern for our residents’ health,” proclaimed Councilmember Charles Allen. “DC led the nation by banning all flavors last year, and we’ll reap the rewards of a healthier population because of it. I applaud the federal government for following the Council’s lead.”

“The question and debate on what to do about tobacco and its impacts on public health seems as old and as American as apple pie. Today’s announcement clarifies the federal government’s commitment to a healthier future for all Americans,” said Councilmember Christina Henderson. “Research shows that menthol increases dependency. And further, the flavor has disproportionately impacted the Black community thanks largely to decades of selective marketing by tobacco companies. I was proud to support the District’s ban on flavored products last year, and commend the FDA’s long overdue intent to ban menthol cigarettes. This is a leap forward for healthier, future generations.”

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Flavors Hook Kids DC is a coalition of more than 70 public health and community organizations focused on protecting DC youth from Big Tobacco by ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products. Learn more about the Flavors Hook Kids DC campaign at flavorshookkidsdc.org.