FDA Proposes Rules Prohibiting Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled two proposed product standards to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and to prohibit all characterizing flavors (other than tobacco) in cigars. According to the FDA, these actions have the potential to significantly reduce disease and death from combusted tobacco product use, the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., by reducing youth experimentation and addiction, and increasing the number of smokers that quit.

The FDA’s proposed regulations will only address manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, and retailers who manufacture, distribute, or sell such products. The proposed regulations do not include a prohibition on individual consumer possession or use.

Beginning May 4, 2022, the public can provide comments on the proposed rules. The FDA will also convene public listening sessions on June 13 and June 15 to expand direct engagement with the public, including affected communities.

Additional information is available here.