FDA to regulate and possibly ban menthol in cigarettes

FDA has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which requests information from the public regarding the effects of menthol in cigarettes and possible regulatory options. The comment period will last for 60 days before the FDA makes a decision. If a rule is ultimately proposed, there will be another comment period.

Menthol is associated with increased initiation and greater progression to regular smoking, increased dependence, and reduced success in quitting, particularly among black smokers.

Menthol's cooling and anesthetic properties can reduce the harshness of cigarette smoke and the evidence indicating that menthol cigarettes are marketed as a smoother alternative to non-menthol cigarettes, make it likely that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with non menthol cigarettes.

Menthol -- which makes tobacco smoke more palatable -- helps people to start and continue smoking and makes it harder to stop.

For years, pediatricians have called for the elimination of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol. Candy and other flavors make tobacco products more attractive to children, and it's time to stop manufacturing products that we know will lead many of today's children to nicotine addiction, unnecessary illness, and premature death.

Menthol and other flavors are dangerous in all tobacco products -- whether in cigarettes, cigars, or other types of tobacco.